This pair of Common Goldeneyes was found recently paddling and diving near the beach behind the Mitchell Bath House on Surf Drive.  This medium sized diving duck is a regular winter visitor in salt water bays, harbors and along the coast line.  The male Goldeneye is stunning with a mostly white body, a black back, and distinctive white oval spots on both cheeks in front of goldeneyes.  The female has a brownish gray body, a chocolate brown head, a black bill with an orange tip and a yellowish white eye.  Look for Goldeneyes in Vineyard Sound all along Surf Drive.

 

Links for more info:

All about Birds: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Goldeneye/id/ac

Delta Waterfowl: http://www.deltawaterfowl.org/research/bios/commongoldeneye/index.php

Flyways US: http://www.flyways.us/duck-identification-resources/sea-ducks/common-goldeneye