Northern Shoveler

Description:

Perhaps the most outwardly distinctive of the dabbling ducks, the Northern Shoveler inhabits wetlands across much of North America. Its elongated, spoon-shaped bill has comblike projections along its edges, which filter out food from the water. Adult Description -Medium-sized duck. -Very long bill, wider at tip than at base -Male with iridescent green head, white chest, and rusty sides. Male Description Breeding Plumage: Head dark glossy green. Bill black. Back black. Chest white. Flanks and belly chestnut-brown. Eyes yellow. Eclipse Plumage: Duller. Head and breast brownish black speckled with whitish or tan. Back black with tan feather edges. Flanks light brown. May show indistinct white crescent on face behind bill. Eyes yellow. Female Description Grayish-brown overall; some feathers have light edging with darker centers. Bill olive-green with yellowish base and edges. Eyes brown. Immature Description Similar to adult female.

Habitat:

Breeds in open, shallow wetlands. In winter, inhabits both freshwater and saline marshes.

Notes:

Migratory Ducks such as these Northern Shoveler’s are great to photograph, especially when you can capture them in the water when natural lighting is optimal in creating wondrous reflections and beautiful color schemes. This shot was take at the Hagerman Wildlife Refuge in North Texas, USA Equipment – Nikon D300 Camera with 150-500mm Adj Sigma Lens Time of year: Winter 2013 Weather: Partly cloudy and cool