Psilos Wildfowl Photography |
Wigeon (Anas penelope) |
This is my favourite native UK duck seen
regularly here in the winter months in large numbers. Very few birds
breed here though there are small populations in the north. The male
has a very striking yellow crown and the female is a drab brown. It
is a very vocal duck. It is a surface feeding duck. Size 43-48cm (16-19in)
The photo below shows wigeon flying over Martinmere, October 05 |
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Grass forms a large part of the wigeons
diet and during the winter months they speed large amounts of time grazing
out in fields. |
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Before the birds return to their breeding
grounds they pair up. So during the winter months we can sit and watch
their courtship displays. An intimate little display that involves plenty
of head bobbing. Here is a male bird (left) caught mid bob trying to
attract a female. Taken at Marshside, Southport, January 2nd 2006. |
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This is a male bird in eclipse plumage (moulting) |
