Barrows Goldeneye and Pink-Footed Geese

There are some birds that just elude Paul and I no matter how many times we go for them. I guess they are called "nemesis birds."

We haven't had that many chances to find these two species, but every year, it seems like the Barrows Goldeneye is spotted off some shore in New England. And then everyone gets excited whenever a Pink-Footed Goose shows up.

Well, we had the chance this weekend to pick up both birds on Newport, Rhode Island. It was rainy and generally miserable, but all three boys and I piled into my truck for the 90 minute drive to Sachuest. Armed with pretty good directions, we were optimistic.

Our first bird, the Barrow's Goldeneye, was successfully located, mixed with a small group of Commons. With its crescent patch on its face, and generally darker back and shoulder patch, it was obviously different than those around it. Despite the rain, I valiantly tried to take photos, but failed miserably.

The second bird, the Pink-Footed Goose, failed to be at its designated spot, and several birders and I raced around the Newport Country Club looking for collections of Canada Geese into which we would find it. But no luck.

In our search for the birds, we did find a nice flock of Snow Buntings perched on a monument along Ocean Drive on Newport. As well, we were successful in our annual visit with the Harlequin Ducks, Common Eiders and Horned Grebes at Sachuest. All in all, a good day out.