american wigeon

This is an adult male showing a white crown. When I was growing up, this bird was called the "Baldpate" and hunters sometimes still use that name. The green patch behind the eye is iridescent and varies with light angle. Notice the fine vermiculated pattern on the scapulars.

A fairly large flock of Wigeon's keeping to themselves

An American wigeon, stretching and flapping a bit after cruising around in the waters

American Wigeon (Mareca americana) male and Gadwall (Mareca strepera)) male. A female Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) in the water.

American Wigeon (Mareca americana) male.

American Wigeon (Mareca americana) male.

No rest for mothers. Even while taking a quick nap with the kiddies, she stayed on her toes and kept one eye open, still not sure whether it was safe to leave them with me.

to come back and protect her ducklings when she saw me taking photos of them. Btw: Seen in the snow-decorated shrubs in my garden today: 35 House sparrows, 1 Tree sparrow, 2 Greenfinches, 4 Great tits, 8 Blue tits, 1 Willow tit, and 30 Bohemian waxwings. Sure made it hard to get any work done...

was her clutch of sleepy ducklings, right where the trail from the car park came down to the "beach".

was this female American Wigeon.

one of the twins takes off exploring. The more cautious sibling is tempted to follow, but stays closer to Mom.

Mom flapping for attention to call the exploring twin back? In case I miss posting tomorrow (daughter and son-in-love coming for a visit), this pair will have to do as a Saturday Fun storyboard.

As we continued along the Yellowstone River towards the lake and the route out to the SE exit, we were losing the light. There were loads of ducks on the slow meanders of the river, but I wasn't getting great shots in the low evening light.

This one was a long distance away. Got my new camera the night before and didn't have a chance to read the instruction manual but I'm already in love with the camera. Thanks to my friend John (Kingshot975) for talking me into waiting for this one to be available on the market. Wait until you...

The far north of Canada makes a great breeding ground and nursery for ducks. These American Wigeon babies will soon need to be ready to fly thousands of miles to the south. These were taken in late July.

This pair was nesting in a small pond near the shore path/park at Anchorage, Alaska.