Every autumn thousands of wigeon (Anas penelope) arrive back in Dorset from their breeding sites further north in Britain and northern Europe. Although they favour freshwater lakes and rivers for nesting in winter they generally opt for saltmarsh and mudflats in estuaries and harbours. A very few move further inland to freshwater sites but this is a small number. This species of contrast in breeding habitat versus wintering habitat is reflected also in their solitary nature in the breeding season but then forming large flocks for the winter; safety in numbers of course when there are hungry peregrines about.
Wigeon are lovely little ducks, multicoloured with a yellow forehead on a maroon head but, from a distance, it is the white in the wing and tail that shows up. The males make a gentle whistling noise which is nothing like a traditional duck 'quack'. Quite often you will hear them before you see them.
Although some early arrivals are seen from week 30 in August it is in week 35 at the beginning of October that the main influx starts. There are then regular reports throughout the winter until week 15 in early May. A very small number of non-breeding birds hang around until June but then there are no wigeon in Dorset for a couple of months during the mid-summer.
Favouring saltmarsh and mudflats it is not surprising that Holes Bay and Lytchett Bay on the northern side of Poole Harbour see the most reports along with the Middlebere Channel at Arne. Reports from outside Poole Harbour are very sparse.
A walk in winter along the cycle way that runs along the edge of Poole Harbour towards Upton Country Park will guarantee widgeon then appears on your Dorset list.
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