Male Eurasian Wigeon, Santa Fe, NM 1-20-14

Male Eurasian Wigeon (right), Male American Wigeon (left), Female/Young Male American Wigeon (foreground)

This is the first record for Santa Fe County. It was first found on 1/10/14 by a local resident of the golf course. The flock of approximately 200 ducks (mostly wigeon, but some buffleheads, one female canvasback, 4 redheads, and a couple shovelers) disappeared for over a week before showing back up this morning. I was fortunate enough to get a chance to come see this stunning male and get some pics.

When I got the call that the wigeon was back I was 65 miles away in southern Santa Fe County taking pics of Ferruginous Hawks. Got some pics of the hawks PLUS my 299th life Santa Fe County Bird!

Ferruginous Hawk in extreme southern Santa Fe County

Female Canvasback