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Findhorn Bay Local Nature Reserve

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Wigeon

Wigeon
Wigeon

When to see

For most of the summer months Wigeon are largely absent from the Bay. In late August their numbers start rising again and by October – November they reach a peak of 4,000+ birds. For the rest of the winter the numbers drop off a bit, but several hundred will remain on the Bay until their departure in the spring.

Weekly Wigeon numbers on Findhorn Bay in 2015
Weekly Wigeon numbers on Findhorn Bay in 2015

Where to see

On their return to the Bay in late summer the Wigeon will often be seen mixed in with the Mallard and other duck in the channels on the eastern side of the Bay. They will nearly always stay close to or in the channels on the Bay. Once their numbers build they will form their own flocks with the biggest group usually to be seen around the Findhorn channel on the western side of the Bay. Other groups can be seen in the channels on the eastern side, and small groups will often be seen along the shoreline in the village.

Return to bird life

Flock of Wigeon in Findhorn Bay
Flock of Wigeon in Findhorn Bay
Wigeon by village shore
Wigeon by village shore
Wigeon female (l) and male (r)
Wigeon female (l) and male (r)
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