I have photographed many species of ducks including bufflehead, golden eye,?mallard, and northern shoveler which have that?iridescence?of the neck and head feathers.?? As others have said, the color?you see is a function of?the angle at which you?view the bird.???For example, I have photographed mallards whose heads appear dark blue or green depending on the angle.??Tuesday ?(3/6) I took several photos of?buffleheads?in Edmonds in which several colors appeared at the same time on?the head and neck.

I?too have?taken photos of male Anna's hummingbirds where their red throat appears gold or a light green at just the right angle.

Speaking of Barrow's goldeneye, are they unusual for this area??? I have seen many in Edmonds this winter, but I?never?bothered reporting it as I thought?they were a?common winter migrant?to this area.??
Bill Anderson; Edmonds, WA. USA???