American Widgeon

By

Daniel F. Heuer

 

 

The American widgeon has two common names that are used interchangeably, widgeon of course being one, while the other is baldpate.  Apart from about another dozen localized or colloquial names, the bird has one most appropriate nickname, “poacher”.  I prefer to use baldpate as its name, the white cap being appropriate.  Being a puddle duck it dose most of its feeding in shallow water by upending itself on the surface.  Having a special fondness for the roots of the wild celery plant, which grows at a considerable depth, the baldpate does not like to dive, so it poaches the roots of the wild celery from the diving ducks, such as the canvasback, that can reach them more easily.  I really enjoy seeing them in the spring when they return from their wintering grounds.  They are very colorful and are not so easy to get close to, as they are also very skittish.  I always try and observe them from a distance, yet wanting to get closer seems to make them nervous and then they are gone. These puddle ducks are great flyers and they take their time when it comes time for the fall migration, getting there whenever they feel like it, as they are quite the casual travelers.  I enjoy seeing them when I can as they are not together in large flocks as the diving ducks but in rather small ones and far and few between it seems at times.  A true beauty to observe anytime of the year, especially in the spring, I look forward to their return year after year.