Birds in Nature - images of wild birds by Richard Ditch

Subject: Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)
Place: McKellips Park, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Date: January 2003
Equipment: Nikon N90S, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (= 600/5.6), tripod
Film: Fuji Sensia 100
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered
Scan: Minolta Dimage, 90% of frame

Commentary: Eurasian Wigeons are rare to uncommon in North America, and have been increasing in numbers over the 30 years I've been birding. They are seen in a few regular places in New Jersey every winter, and in California. I was surprised to find they also show up in Arizona when I moved here in 1994.

I've been trying to get a good shot of this bird for at least three years, where it hangs out each winter with a handful of American Wigeons at a small community park. The light here is a bit harsh, but I've been unable to get it close at any other time of day