I have seen just one red-breasted merganser in the channel at Bolsa Chica recently. I thought the color of the red on the neck clicked unusual for this one today as it kept seemingly tipping its head up almost like it was drinking from the water. Then another person pointed out that its neck is bleeding. That does appear to be the case.

Not really sure. A shame I couldn’t get a focused photo

This doesn’t feel “Buteo” to me. It was quite large.

So I’m going with juvie bald eagle, because a golden eagle feels even more preposterous.