Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope) is in the Ducks, Geese, and Swans family (Anatidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,686 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in January.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: winter visitor. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Eurasian Wigeon: observations by month (U.S.)
About Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon, also known as widgeon (Mareca penelope) is one of three species of wigeon in the dabbling duck genus Mareca. It is common and widespread within its Palearcticrange.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Eurasian Wigeon by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,362 | January | Oct–Mar |
| Washington | 523 | February | Nov–Apr |
| Oregon | 456 | January | Oct–Mar |
| New Jersey | 222 | October | Oct–Oct |
| Alaska | 146 | May | Apr–May |
| New York | 99 | March | Nov–Mar |
| Massachusetts | 77 | January | Oct–Jan |
| Ohio | 67 | March | Feb–Apr |
| Maryland | 64 | December | Nov–Feb |
| Idaho | 61 | January | Nov–Apr |
| Arizona | 58 | January | Jan–Feb |
| Texas | 57 | January | Jan–Jan |
| Virginia | 54 | December | Dec–Mar |
| Florida | 39 | January | Nov–Feb |
| Colorado | 34 | January | Jan–Jan |
| Connecticut | 34 | January | Nov–Mar |
| Pennsylvania | 34 | March | Feb–Mar |
| Hawaii | 33 | January | Nov–Mar |
| Michigan | 33 | March | Mar–May |
| Rhode Island | 28 | February | Feb–Mar |
| New Mexico | 26 | January | Jan–Jan |
| Illinois | 22 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Minnesota | 22 | April | Apr–Apr |
| Utah | 21 | December | Dec–Jan |
| Wisconsin | 20 | April | Apr–May |
| North Carolina | 17 | November | Nov–Feb |
| Vermont | 14 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Montana | 12 | March | Mar–Apr |
| Maine | 10 | January | Jan–Jan |
| Alabama | 8 | December | Dec–Dec |
| Delaware | 7 | February | Dec–Mar |
| New Hampshire | 5 | March | Mar–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Ducks, Geese, and Swans)
Mallard
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Northern Shoveler
Bufflehead
American Wigeon
Hooded Merganser
Ring-necked Duck
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Eurasian Wigeon?
Nationally, January has the most observations, with the main season from October to March.
Where is Eurasian Wigeon most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Washington, Oregon.