Drake American Wigeon Close Ups in Afternoon Light

American Wigeon drake close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Two days ago when the fog cleared up and the sun was shining overhead I was able to take a few drake American Wigeon close ups in nice afternoon light. Even though I would have preferred having snow in the frames I had to settle for the warm brownish tones of winter vegetation in the background because there isn’t any snow on the ground right now. I was a little concerned that the drake widgeon would blend right into the background because the colors of the rushes and some of the duck’s plumage are similar but I think the widgeon still stood out well.

The American Wigeon drake had just climbed out of a pond and was on his way to nibble on some nearby grasses. Believe it or not we still have some green grass here in the Salt Lake Valley because this winter has been fairly mild with the exception of about one week where the temps were below normal.

American Wigeon drake portrait in afternoon light – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The wigeon gave me one more opportunity to take a vertical portrait of him before he mixed in with a flock of mallards on the grass where I had trouble isolating him from the rest of the ducks.

American Wigeons are here in this area of northern Utah year round but I seem to have my best opportunities with them during the winter. I’m delighted that this drake came in so close.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my American Wigeon photos plus facts and information about this species.