Three goldeneyes skim the river surface and head upstream looking for quieter water. These birds are commonly known as whistlers because of the loud, high pitch of their wings in flight. Here the artist treats us to a vivid contrast of color and movement. The horizontal center of warm browns and oranges is essentially static. Cool blues and greys frame this center, and the rushing water and straining goldeneyes quickly bring the viewer into the scene's focus of high action.