Perfect timing on seeing Connie's post earlier on
the Barrow's Goldeneye. I was just about to head
off to Seward Park when I took a last look at
Tweeters and saw the BAGO ALert. I live right
across from the Fill so changed plans and was over
at the spot within no more than 20 minutes of the
original sighting/Post. I saw Connie nearby as I
was getting close and so got some perfect
directions. Went across the wood bridge over the
the west side of the slough and perhaps up 20
yards and there he was - a brilliant adult male
Barrow's Goldeneye swimming in perfect sunlight
out in the open in the calm water of the slough.
Best photo ops I have ever had for any bird. I
was accompanied by a birder who was heading out of
UBNA as I was coming in after he had seen the
Tufted Duck and I convinced him to come along so
he too had great views. Later another couple was
nearby and I motioned them over and they too had a
great look (it was about 11:00 a.m. I guess).
After watching for all told maybe 15 minutes we
were surprised by a brown bird flying right
between us and the BAGO and diving into the
grass. It was a Virginia Rail. Clearly seen in
the air and it called and was visible to the eye
in the grass for a few seconds only and then
disappeared without me getting a photo. We
watched and waited but no further appearance. By
the time we turned away the BAGO had departed. It
had been ectremely tame the whole time so it was
just moving along I believe ... I think further to
the south down the slough.

What a great bird for the Fill and Connie you
really should be placing a large bet on the Super
Bowl with your luck this week (actually just a
reward for you many patient and much appreciated
hours.)