LLB on the Rivana river

Small wren or sparrow sized bird. Canoeing on the Rivana on 7/2 observed two birds i wasn't familiar with. They were in the middle of the river around a clump of aquatic vegetation. I saw two in clombat over lunch (theirs not mine) so they were moving too quickly to pick out identifying marks. The only physical carachteristic was a stunning dull gold band that ran across the tip of their tales ,side to side. I've looked in my books and can find no mention of them . Anyone know this bird? Something of note, saw a pair of bald eagles, really cool.