Eurasian Wigeon - Anas penelope

Our main target in going to Tewinkle Park in Orange County was the Yellow-throated Warbler, a tiny songbird not usually found in Southern California. The skies were overcast and did not bode well for our quest. The very first bird we saw was a duck with a red head so I triumphantly declared to my wife as "Redhead!" Getting closer, I noticed the orangey spot on its forehead. "Make that Eurasian Wigeon" I sheepishly told Cynthia. Actually, that should be a very good reason to celebrate inasmuch as this duck is also considered a rarity in the US.

Eurasian Wigeon, as the name implies, are very common in Europe and Northern Asia. In recent years they have increased in numbers along both Eastern and Western coasts of North America. It had been known to hybridize with less colorful American Wigeon. They are usually found in shallow ponds (such as the one at Tewinkle Park) feeding on pond weeds, aquatic plants and grass.

Eurasian Wigeon - Anas penelope
Tewinkle Park, Costa Mesa, California
March 10, 2007

Canon 30D, 500+1.4X (700mm) on a tripod
ISO-400, 1/800, f10

In comparison, the American Wigeon, which is very common in North America, seems drabber but still  has a beauty of its own. This pair was photographed in a city park.

American Wigeon - Anas americana
Almansor Park, Alhambra, California
March 15, 2005

Canon EOS Digital Rebel, 300mm+1.4X (420mm) handheld
ISO-200, 1/500, f8