Northern Shoveler
Anas clypeata
Mar. 9, 2013
 



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.

 
Northern shoveler pair
 

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.
 
Male northern shoveler
 

The third photo is of an immature male.
 
Immature male northern shoveler
 

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.




My Pennsylvania bird list

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