Lochmaben American Wigeon.

Drake American Wigeon, Kirk Loch (Dumfries & Galloway), 20 January 2012.

With the winter days drawing out a little there was an opportunity for a bit of "spotting" after working in Dumfries & Galloway today. The weather was pretty grim but I had enough time to call in at Lochmaben on the way to the A74(M) on the way home for a quick look at the drake American Wigeon.

Lucky for me I found it almost straight away with Eurasian Wigeons on Kirk Loch. It was a bit distant, but good through the 'scope. This is presumably the returning bird from at least last winter and most likely the bird that Angie and I found at Mersehead in December 2008 (later relocated at Caerlaverock).
Several Goosander, Goldeneye, a few pairs of Gadwall and some Tufties on nearby Castle Loch but unfortunately the weather closed in soon after these photos were taken so I headed south to Lancashire.