Wild Harris

Wigeon    (Photo: Laurie Campbell)

In winter you can find these ducks by the west coast of Harris. The males are recognizable by their reddish head. They feed in groups by the shore and they either put their heads under the water to feed – this is called dabbling and you can see them doing it in this picture. Or they get out of the water and graze on the saltmarsh.

The male wigeon makes a noise like a whistle, whereas the female wigeon makes a purring noise. Often you can find them just by the strange sounds they make!

by Alison Tyler