Drake and hen American Wigeons – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The weather here in northern Utah continues to be a touch too warm for this time of the year in the afternoons even though it is chilly in the mornings. I’ve seen a few snow flurries recently and there is snow on the mountain tops but 2020 hasn’t been a “normal” year in any way shape or form and neither has the weather at this time of the year. I looked at the 10 day forecast and see very little chance for snow except for this evening when we might have a few flurries. It might be slightly white tomorrow morning for Thanksgiving Day. I won’t hold my breath though.
In a “normal” year there would probably have already been a couple of snowstorms and the snow seems to bring in more birds to photograph and it can make them easier to spot.
Even though the weather has been odd I am looking forward to the ducks species I find close to home on some of the local ponds. Among the duck species I look for during the winter are American Wigeons which are medium sized dabbling ducks.
American Wigeons are year round residents in the most northern part of Utah according to range maps yet most years I only see them during the winter. I also don’t see them in large numbers, usually just a pair or two at my local pond.
I took this photo of a pair of American Wigeons in early December of 2018. The drake is on the left and the hen is on the right. I saw this pair intermittently until mid January and then they took wing and left the area. Perhaps I will get lucky and have another pair at my local pond again this winter. I hope so.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Wigeon photos plus facts and information about this species.
Nice couple and interesting information. Here in south Florida we have had crazy wet weather but no prospect of snow. So far have never seen a wigeon on our lake.
Beautiful.
I hope that you see many more of them.
And a big yes to your comments about the weather and the year.
I don’t see many here in northern Utah but I was shocked, when we were house shopping in St George, at the huge numbers of wigeons and mergansers I saw on golf courses.