Thursday 11 December 2008

American Wigeon (Anas americana) - Lower Farm GP's, Berks. 22nd November 2008.

I arrived at Lower farm at 3:30pm and met a departing Lee Evans, who let me know the American Wigeon was present on the Lower Farm pit. It had been flushed earlier in the day by a dog walker and had relocated to the Trout Pools behind Lower Farm. Later in the afternoon it returned to Lower Farm

Entering the hide I was greeted with a familiar face, Berkshire Bird Photographer Jerry O'Brien (
www.birdsofberkshire.co.uk) set up with his camera. The American Wigeon had disappeared behind one of the Willow tree islands on the far bank(from the hide) and we managed to have a quick chat about birds and photos. Eventually the American Wigeon reappeared on the far bank and began to swim around the waters edge. It remained on the far side of the water giving decent but distant views, the white/cream crown and dark face patch were both very visible. It was too dark and too distant to even try digiscoping the Wigeon but Jerry managed to capture a few shots that can be seen here


Other birds of interest present were Little Egret and Yellow-legged Gull.

Another fantastic find by local birder Ken Moore.

Added To My Year List

220. American Wigeon

Added To My Life List

308. American Wigeon

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