Eurasian Wigeon (red morph girl, I believe)
Nov 14, 2018 13:03:22 #
This Eurasian Wigeon was the first thing we spotted when arriving at Colusa NWR a few days ago. At first we thought it was a hybrid but when checking out my book, it appears to be a red-morph female. That may explain why she was trying to link up with a male American Wigeon. It was a sad sight to watch as they were all spurning her attempts to swim with them. We only see a handful of Eurasians each season.
Nov 14, 2018 13:10:22 #
Nov 14, 2018 13:24:12 #
Katy,
Very nice work. We see 1 or 2 each year, but they’re very rare. Nice shots. Thanks.
jak
Very nice work. We see 1 or 2 each year, but they’re very rare. Nice shots. Thanks.
jak
Nov 14, 2018 13:38:37 #
fourg1b2006 wrote:
Like the captures on these. Good job.
Thanks, Marty, for taking a look and commenting!
Nov 14, 2018 13:39:51 #
jak86094 wrote:
Katy,
Very nice work. We see 1 or 2 each year, but they’re very rare. Nice shots. Thanks.
jak
Very nice work. We see 1 or 2 each year, but they’re very rare. Nice shots. Thanks.
jak
Glad to hear from you, Jak! I wish we saw more of them, but then it wouldn't be so exciting.
Nov 14, 2018 13:52:55 #
Katydid wrote:
This Eurasian Wigeon was the first thing we spotted when arriving at Colusa NWR a few days ago. At first we thought it was a hybrid but when checking out my book, it appears to be a red-morph female. That may explain why she was trying to link up with a male American Wigeon. It was a sad sight to watch as they were all spurning her attempts to swim with them. We only see a handful of Eurasians each season.
Wow Katy, excellent photos of this rare visitor. Nice work! I never visit Colusa without spending time on the viewing platform searching for one of these strangers. I saw one there two years ago and failed to get an acceptable photo. These are good reference photos, bookmarked and saved with gratitude, thank you. I am happy for you my friend.
Nov 14, 2018 16:02:26 #
Nov 14, 2018 16:56:58 #
Nov 14, 2018 18:02:37 #
Katydid wrote:
This Eurasian Wigeon was the first thing we spotted when arriving at Colusa NWR a few days ago. At first we thought it was a hybrid but when checking out my book, it appears to be a red-morph female. That may explain why she was trying to link up with a male American Wigeon. It was a sad sight to watch as they were all spurning her attempts to swim with them. We only see a handful of Eurasians each season.
Great series, Katydid
Nov 14, 2018 20:11:20 #
Katydid wrote:
This Eurasian Wigeon was the first thing we spotted when arriving at Colusa NWR a few days ago. At first we thought it was a hybrid but when checking out my book, it appears to be a red-morph female. That may explain why she was trying to link up with a male American Wigeon. It was a sad sight to watch as they were all spurning her attempts to swim with them. We only see a handful of Eurasians each season.
Excellent set, Katy, and good detective work in identifying the Eurasian Wigeon... A similar occurrence happened to us yesterday as we viewed our normal crew of about 15 to 20 Mallards that had stopped by for breakfast. I happen to pick up the binoculars for a closer look and there was an American Wigeon Drake in with the mallards, and believe that a Wigeon hen was also in the flock! In the 30 years at this location, we have seen quite a few species of ducks but cannot recall ever seeing any wigeons here! Take care!
Nov 14, 2018 22:36:07 #
rockdog wrote:
Wow Katy, excellent photos of this rare visitor. Nice work! I never visit Colusa without spending time on the viewing platform searching for one of these strangers. I saw one there two years ago and failed to get an acceptable photo. These are good reference photos, bookmarked and saved with gratitude, thank you. I am happy for you my friend.
I am glad to be of help in your identification! Previously, we only saw male Eurasians, so this sighting was a first. It was hanging out right by the platform and oblivious to people watching. I have seen a few at the Bypass each year but never this close.
Nov 14, 2018 22:36:44 #
Nov 14, 2018 22:37:55 #
Sylvias wrote:
Excellent downloads Katy, they are attractive birds. 
They are, Sylvia. I never got to see them so close before. I'm glad you liked them.
Nov 14, 2018 22:38:33 #
Nov 14, 2018 22:41:17 #
Swamp-Cork wrote:
Excellent set, Katy, and good detective work in id... (show quote)
Thanks, Corky. I am glad you got to see the American Wigeons. They are one of my favorite ducks. As their numbers increase here, the males swim around in little groups and look like they are on patrol.
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