Matt Medler asked me to post this question to Ontbirds. Please respond privately to Matt at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Willie
I am wondering when Common Goldeneye fledglings are capable of full flight. Last night (28 May 2004), I saw two groups of Common Goldeneye fly towards Lake Champlain at dusk from a nearby river that is lined by flooded woods. In total, the groups contained 12+ birds; I saw five birds through binoculars, and they were all "female-type" birds. (From the group of seven birds, I also heard a high-pitched call that I believe is the call of a male goldeneye.) Common Goldeneye are known to breed along the New York side of Lake Champlain, so I have been looking for them as a breeder, but I didn't expect that I would see young birds in flight this early in the season. (But, I can think of no other reason why I would see so many goldeneye together in late May.) The New York Atlas Handbook contains some information about egg dates, nestling periods, and time at which young are capable of flight, but these data are hardly authoritative. I am hoping that Ontario birders (or Quebec birders) might have more experience with nesting goldeneye, and be able to relate their experiences with flying fledglings. If you can provide me with any information about this question, I would appreciate it. Please e-mail me privately at [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------- Willie D'Anna Betsy Potter Niagara Falls, N.Y. [EMAIL PROTECTED]
