I saw a pair of Barrow's Goldeneyes today (Saturday) on the Mississippi River
at the Coon Rapids Dam. They were on the east side of the river, south of the
main entrance to the park. They were near the bend in the river close to the
north end of Cenaiko Lake. There are two parking lots near there and a plowed
trail that leads to the river where there is a snow-covered observation deck.
The goldeneyes were close to the observation deck, and there were only about 25
goldneyes in total on the water. The female Barrow's stood out almost more
than the male because of her bright orange bill. The male and female stuck
close together.
Technically you need a park sticker to enter the park, but I don't know how
strictly they enforce the requirement this time of year. They accept
Anoka/Washington/Carver park stickers.
Cole Foster
