The images below were taken with an iPhone through a Kowa TSN 883 scope at 30X. This bird at first presented as a Common Goldeneye, but then I noticed white markings behind the eye rather than in front of the eye, a black, merganser-like bill and a slight crest, though it was closer to a goldeneye size. The bird was in the open water of Ford Lake where the Huron River enters the lake under - I-94. I took the pictures about 3PM Friday, Feruary 20, 2009 from the boardwalk/path accessible from North Bay Park, Ypsilanti. The closest trail entrance is off of S. Grove Street. The bird was still there on Sunday morning, Feb 22. I saw it flying with three Common Goldeneyes, but I could not get close enough to get a better picture. One person who has seen the picture suggests it could be a Common Goldeneye x AmericanMerganser cross. This is possible, but the bird is goldeneye size and has a black bill.
