Very nice Bonnie. I especially like 1,2, and 4. Not that there is anything wrong with 3
I have noticed the "flecks" in the eyes (those that look like globular extensions of the pupil) before, in African Oystercatchers, and I just tried to find some info now... A fairly recent paper suggests that these flecks are somewhat sex-dependent. i.e. Those with the largest (or most) flecks are probably female. Anyways, that was sort of interesting.
Also, young birds don't have as bright yellow of an iris, and as defined an eye ring. So, maybe the individual closest to the front in #2 is a young one.
The function/cause of the eye flecks is unknown.
OKAY - I'm done rambling on
Cool image from the paper I was talking about above (Guzetti et al., 2008):
Thanks, Josh--
This is interesting. I will pay more attention to the eyes on these birds and take some images of all their eyes.
I have not personally seen one that does not have the globular extensions--but I will pay more attention now!
Thanks! http://www.pbase.com/herderdog/image/119109891/original.jpg
Bonnie, these are really great captures! Thanks for shariing. I really love them all - but I especially like the Merganser in flight - it seems to be looking right at you and I dig dramatic placement right at the water. I also love the 3 sets of red/yellow eyes on the OC's in flight.
Super pics Bonnie. What a distinctive eye this bird has.
I like # 2 a lot. It reminded me of trying to take a pic of a zebra in a herd of zebras for some reason!
Martin
....the flying Common Merganser is my favorite.... 
