While processing, I realized this could be a Goldeneye Hybrid from its maroon head gloss. However, the body markings are consistent with Barrow's. Unfortunately, I did not keep any other frames to check on the head shape. Any other clues to confirm Hybrid or Barrow's.
7D, Sigma 50-500mm @ 500mm on Gitzo/mongoose
1/800 sec, f/6.3 Mode: Av Metering: Evaluative ISO: 1000
Location - Shoreline park in Mountainview, CA, early January, late afternoon.
My waterfowl field guide describes the Barrow's Goldeneye in part..."Large blockish, black head with a purple iridescence".... The low angle, side light really brings out the iridescence in this image.
My recollection is, the common goldeneye drake's head iridescence is green; the Barrow's is purple, and the bufflehead's can be both, if you get the light right.
Head gloss, particularly from a single image, can be very unreliable. Ever see a green headed Mallard turn into a blue headed Mallard with a shift in the light?
In a bird like yours that looks perfect in every way, a different head gloss is most likely a light issue.
Beautiful baby - Barrow's IMO - head glossed with purple (not green). Note white crescent in front of eye and distinct black shoulder stripe across white to near water level.
Bucephala islandica
21"
The species is described as scarce by Peterson Field Guide - nice find - TFS.
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 02-02-2011 at 04:33 PM.
As Paul mentioned head gloss isn't entirely reliable. It is certainly worth paying attention to for ID; Mallards usually have green heads as do Common Goldeneyes, and Greater Scaup but under the right light conditions green and purple (and some other colors) may appear differently. I think this occurs mostly in feathers that get their color from structure rather than pigment.
Here is an unquestionable Barrow's with a green gloss.