American Wigeons

So, we covered the smoking Eurasian variety. The Washington trip was also the first time I got fairly close to some of the more common American versions. Most of them were off in the distance but close enough to pick out with binoculars.

At Nisqually, however, they were right next to the boardwalk that guides visitors on a 1-mile trek around the first part of the property. We had rain showers that were sweeping through in waves but being closer made for some nice photos. The first shot was with the film camera as a few birds picked along the duck weed in the canals.



Here, a male and female give a good look at their different plumage types.



It was nice to see the bold green stripe that goes along the head of the males as they cruise through the water.



A final shot and then we would leave them to feed and relax in the light rain and cool forest canopy.



We had other birds to find but I hope that I can get some closer looks here in Florida next Fall or Winter.