An overcast and misty morning on the river. North of the lighthouse, a dozen or more common goldeneye waterfowl congregated–black and white feathered bodies against a uniform gray background. Aside from padddling around and occasionally diving underwater, the males stretched their necks and performed back bends, touching head to tail–a courtship display for a few seemingly disinterested females. Frightened by a passing tug-&-barge, they all flew away, disappearing into the mist.