19th December 2015

Watched Yeovil Openspace again this morning but failed to locate the firecrest. However, the 2 Yellow-Browed Warblers were still present and showing well. Only other species of note was a Grey Wagtail.

Arrived at Exminster Marshes at 1330hrs and spent over an hour scanning through the wigeon opposite the Lion's Rest with no sign of the american wigeon, but did have distant views of both Peregrine and Pintail. Drove further up to the small car park before the end car park and scanned through more wigeon. By 1500hrs, I picked up the 1w male American Wigeon. Soon after, it disappeared into long grass, and 10 minutes later it poked its head up again. After this, it remained very elusive in long vegetation, occasionally coming further out into the open. When it did, I was surprised how much it stuck out as its darker sides contrasted more with the white rear end.

American Wigeon - Exminster Marshes

Interesting how the white rear-end sticks out more than on eurasians.