Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata | Mar. 9, 2013 |
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The northern shoveler (Anas clypeata) is a small-size duck that has a long bill. I photographed a few of them at Middle Creek, Pennsylvania.
The northern shovelers seemed to flying around a race track, and every few minutes one or more would zoom past. First across the track are a male and female. |
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My various field guides show the male to have a bright green head, which has come out rather dark in my photos. I suspect the green is iridescent, which was perhaps lost on the overcast day. |
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The third photo is of an immature male. |
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The northern shoveler has a striking pattern. I hope to see more of them.
Photo note: I used a Pentax K20D, with the Sigma 150-500mm lens, on a visit to Middle Creek, Pennsylvania, on 3 March 2013, for these photos. |