Wednesday 18 January 2017

Wigeon

I was watching the bird this morning with Chris and Brian and I suggested the possibility of hybridisation. I have seen such a bird a few years back in Kyoto. I was drawn to the degree of russet colour on the head, which I have never seen in the typical Am Wigeon in the USA.
'Rare birds of Britain and Europe' Lewington/Alstrum/Colston p56 Note on hybrids "show some intermediate characters, eg. some reddish brown on the head." Chris' superb photographs clearly show this.
Whatever; a great bird and well worth seeking out.
Best wishes,
Glenn Ibbitson