American Surprise

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to add Woodlark to my Peterborough Area list — one of those tricky, often brief species that many local birders already had under their belts. It was great to finally connect with one and get it on the list.

That sighting prompted a bit of discussion among the local patching crew. We started comparing notes — who had what, what was still missing, and which species we thought might be easier to catch up with. I mentioned that I’d always assumed American Wigeon would be one of those “eventually” birds. I’ve missed a couple in the last decade or so and had figured it was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. But as the years have passed, it’s become increasingly clear just how genuinely scarce they are locally.

Just a few days earlier, I’d been up on Shetland for Scalloway’s Up Helly Aa fire festival — and managed to spot a stunning drake American Wigeon while there. That was only my third in the UK, so definitely still a rarity in my book.

Then, out of the blue, a couple of weekends later, Matt Webb found an American Wigeon — this time at Ferry Meadows. Just like that, a long-hoped-for Peterborough Area tick had finally landed!

The bird was feeding on Gunwade Lake, associating with a handful of Eurasian Wigeon. I headed over this morning and enjoyed some cracking views — far better than the distant, shimmering silhouettes I’d previously missed out on at the Nene Washes. A few record shots in the bag too, which is always a bonus.

Now, if it fancies dropping in at Deeping Lakes to mingle with the local flock, that would really top things off nicely...