I photographed an American Wigeon drake on the last day of winter at my local pond. The light was nice and lovely but my view of the wigeon was even nicer.
American Wigeon drake on the last day of winter – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This drake wigeon is in his fine breeding plumage. The green iridescent stripe behind he is stood out like a beacon in the morning light. I’m not a female wigeon but if I were that green might have made my heart go pitter-patter. This drake already seems to be paired up with a lovely hen that was swimming in the water nearby.
It isn’t likely that the pair of American Wigeons will nest on this pond. The pond is small and there is a lot of human foot traffic. It would surprise me if they stick around for too much longer.
American Wigeon drake in morning light – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 1000, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As the drake wigeon swam around on the last day of winter I was able to photograph him in several different areas of the pond. In this photo the reflections of shrubs on the side of the pond gave the water a brownish-gold hue. The green on the drake’s head stood out seemed to glow against the darker water.
I’m still seeing spats on the bills of the wigeons that I wrote about the last time I shared photos of this species. My pareidolia seems to have hit high gear about 10 years ago and it won’t stop!
What is pareidolia?
From Wikipedia: Pareidolia is a type of apophenia involving the perception of images or sounds in random stimuli. A common example is the perception of a face within an inanimate object—the headlights and grill of an automobile may appear to be “grinning”. People around the world see the “Man in the Moon”.
Me? I see spats on the faces of this species. I also see stylized wolves on the bills of Mallards. I see things in things.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Wigeon photos plus facts and information about this species.
Gorgeous. Wonderful detail. The iridescent green on the Widgeon’s neck is spectacular. What a beauty! Thanks Mia.
Hi, Mia! Nice shots and cute story. I never thought about it before, but their bills DO look like spats! Such dapper ducks! We only see them during migration here in my part of Maine. Thanks for teaching me a new word: pareidolia.
I am commenting here because for some reason I cannot comment on today’s post The chimpmunks are gorgeous – and I hope you find the fun you need today.
Well, now I know the name for my condition, mistaking bumps on branches for raptors, floaters for flying birds, seeing angels in the clouds and a Bobcat staring out of the underbrush. Very nice image of the wigeon and too bad it is unlikely to stay around all season.
WHAT a beauty. Thank you.