American Wigeon - Canard d’Amérique
A female stands in water grooming in the middle of a small flock. While the males get a lot more attention, I find the females have a lovely subtle plumage, and the fall reflections on the water framed the scene well.
A larger group spent several weeks on the Lake in the fall, spooked and flushed periodically by Hawks and the occasional Bald Eagle. The species is a frequent fall visitor, and there are occasional northbound migrants in the spring.
A feature of the species that always seems striking to my eye is the short, beautifully coloured bill. It is often described as ‘goose-like’ and it helps them have greater pulling force on the underwater greens that form the core of their diet.
American Wigeon - Canard d’Amérique
A female stands in water grooming in the middle of a small flock. While the males get a lot more attention, I find the females have a lovely subtle plumage, and the fall reflections on the water framed the scene well.
A larger group spent several weeks on the Lake in the fall, spooked and flushed periodically by Hawks and the occasional Bald Eagle. The species is a frequent fall visitor, and there are occasional northbound migrants in the spring.
A feature of the species that always seems striking to my eye is the short, beautifully coloured bill. It is often described as ‘goose-like’ and it helps them have greater pulling force on the underwater greens that form the core of their diet.