Sunday, December 22, 2013

Barrow's Goldeneye & Northern Pintail Taking Flight on Utah's Jordan River

So I've been hearing about a hot spot for ducks, especially Barrow's Goldeneyes, somewhere around 2300 South and the Jordan River in Salt Lake City. There aren't many reports of Barrow's Goldeneyes in Utah, but this location has been quite reliable since I starting birding several years ago. I've been working just ten minutes from that area for close to a year now so I finally made my way over to the area for about fifteen minutes during a lunch break. Our weather has been ugly in northern Utah for weeks so I timed my short visit to coincide with a little bit of sunshine.

I'll share an image of drake and hen Barrow's Goldeneyes and then images of a drake taking flight along the river in front of me. I'll conclude the images with a drake Northern Pintail on the water and then a few of the duck taking flight.

Drake and Hen Barrow's Goldeneyes on the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, UT
Drake Barrow's Goldeneye Taking Flight Along the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, UT
Drake Barrow's Goldeneye Taking Flight Along the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, UT
Drake Barrow's Goldeneye Taking Flight Along the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, UT
I've always thought the male Northern Pintail is a classy, nice looking duck. That's a Gadwall, by the way, in the background. Anyway, the images below turned out okay for me. I would have liked to have more contrast between the duck and the brown color reflecting on the water from the phragmites along the bank.

Drake Northern Pintail on the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, UT
Drake Northern Pintail Taking Flight Along the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, UT
Drake Northern Pintail Taking Flight Along the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, UT
Drake Northern Pintail Taking Flight Along the Jordan River in Salt Lake City, UT

4 comments:

  1. Great Photos Jeff! I love how Goldeneye's almost look like they are surprised! I was hoping to get in touch with you though and I couldn't find any contact info. The company I work for wants to honor your amazing photo's with a badge on your blog! I hope you will get in touch with me and i can get you the details.
    Ernie
    ernie.allison63@gmail.com

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