[mou] Wigeons

[sbeecher@visi.com]

I saw a pair of Wigeon today, but the male did not seem typical. I had 
the sun at my right shoulder and could see the almost white bill and 
forehead very well through my scope, but the head seemed to be all of 
one color. I did note a slight iridescence, but not a two toned head, no 
definate green and gray head. The whole head (other than the white 
forehead) was a dark reddish brown.

Both birds were standing on the ice when sighted and never entered the 
water. All other field marks point to the American Wigeon except the 
head.

Could it be too early for the male to have the green swipe on the head? 
could it be a Euro Wigeon or intergrade?

Any ideas?


Steve-O