Common Goldeneye.

This individual looks like a first year female based on the beak and eyes.
Thanks for looking.

Canon 5D Mark III
Canon 500 f4.0 L IS II.
ISO 320
1/2500 s
f 5.6
HH

Lovely looking image Karl. Nice details on the bird, the whites are lovely and just the right amount of sharpness. I really like the detail on the head. Good work Karl and thanks for sharing

Will

Beautiful flight shot, Karl. Great wing position, excellent exposure. Don't get to see this species much around here, and I've never seen this 1st year plumage.

Karl excellent sharp detail, everything looks spot on, very fine flight shot .

Keith.

Nice and crisp, beautiful full upward wing stroke. I could see the subject a little lower in the frame with it angling up like this.

It does not get much better for a close flight shot of this species Karl. These birds are like missiles! It seems you have nailed the bird before it has gone past you which makes for a better image. The whites on the under belly look accurate. Well done all round! Sadly my local goldeneye frequent a part of the river where the banks are very high and with trees which puts them in shade most of the time and when not in shade they are too high up:(

Edit:-
After reading Daniel's comment regarding the bird's placement in the frame I'm inclined to disagree with him (on matters of composition that would be a rare thing:). I think the bird should not be placed lower in the frame for the very reason Daniel gives as to why it should be. My reason is that, for me, it would skew the perspective a bit IMHO. Of course it is personal choice.

Crisp and super well exposed. I like the composition as it is. Very nice BIF image, Karl.

Killer Karl!! Besides the steep shooting angle, This one looks awesome. Nice frame.

Excellent flight shot. Superb IQ. Very nice full upward wing, HA, great details and beautiful composition.

Regards,
Satish.

Agree with above, lovely image. Not many female pics seen as the showier males normally get posted.