American Wigeon Anas americana
Cambridge, Maryland
Near the shoreline of the choppy Choptank River. A few wigeon, including this whistling drake, were in with a mixed flock of Canvasbacks, Redheads, and Lesser Scaups at a well-known duck-watching spot. The whistling is distinctive, and done only and often by the male: a mid-to-high, three note quacky-breathy call. Females have a much lower, smoky, monotone vocalization, usually only heard during courtship. Cue the duck version of To Have and Have Not …