18th February 2010 – American Wigeon at Caerlaverock

Bryan Wainwright had come to stay for a few days; so we decided to go to Caerlaverock to hopefully see the American Wigeon that had been present the previous few days.

As we arrived along the approach road to the reserve; we could see thousands of Barnacle Geese feeding in nearby fields. I gave them a brief scan before chatting to Marco McGinty who was checking through the geese more thoroughly. Next we made our way to the Whooper Pond where Brian Henderson put us onto the drake American Wigeon as it roosted on the far bank. There were huge numbers of birds present; including, Whooper Swans, Wigeon, Tufted Duck and a solitary Pochard!

After a quick check of the Folly Pond we returned to the Whooper Pond in time to see the American Wigeon approach amazingly close. This allowed ample chance for photography!

The feeders viewable from the hide were also very active; a single Tree Sparrow gave another photographic opportunity.

Amongst the throng of ducks and geese there was the long staying hybrid aythya duck. This bird has intrigued me for a year or so now. I am not certain of the parentage of the bird, but it is most likely a Tufted Duck x Greater Scaup or a Tufted Duck x Lesser Scaup!

Two Ravens cronking overhead, were a nice bonus!