Common Goldeneye Standing

This Common Goldeneye female (or hen) was at a pool in the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary in Calgary (along the Bow River). It's my second goldeneye in as many days; the image of the first (with her eight ducklings) makes an interesting comparison.

It's a bit unusual to see a duck standing out of water (this one remained on the log for at most 10-12 seconds). Its large webbed feet are visible; they're orange as with most ducks (at least one expert thinks this may have evolved because it attracts mates). In the first image the goldeneye's feet are also visible as she flaps her wings--I suspect they propel her up to permit a more vigorous flap.

Late tomorrow we meet our tour here in Calgary, and leave for Northern Alberta at 5:00 a.m. Sunday.