Wigeon

Numerous winter visitor that has increased in recent years. Included in 10.6% of BirdTrack lists. (Amber list).

During January, the highest counts were 240 at Meadow Lane GP on the 22nd, 206 at Quest ClP on the 28th and 177 at Woburn Park on the 17th. Numbers increased in February, with 600 at Meadow Lane on the 9th – by far the largest count of the year – then 182 at Quest ClP on the 16th, 180 at Broom East on the 4th, 150 at Woburn Park on the 5th and also 150 at Radwell Lakes on the 15th. In March, levels dropped away, but with still 185 at Meadow Lane GP on the 11th and 150 at Radwell Lakes on the 5th. As birds departed, the highest count in April was just seven, at Meadow Lane GP on the 1st. From May to August the only double-figure records were from Blunham Lakes, with 20 on 26th July and 12 on 31st August. As birds started to slowly return, the only count of more than 50 was of 72, again at Blunham Lakes, on 22nd September. Numbers increased there in October, peaking at 120 on the 25th, whilst at Radwell Lakes there were 160 on the 9th. In November, the two highest counts were 150 at Blunham Lakes on the 6th and 86 at Woburn Park on the 12th, with birds then becoming more widespread in December, with 104 at Meadow Lane GP on the 6th, 120 at Quest ClP on the 17th and 158 at Broom East on the 21st.