The Shoveler or Northern Shoveler depending on mood and geographic location is a splendid duck with a huge beak (or bill!) that never fails to bring a smile to my face. They sit low in the water, and this sunken look and that huge beak make them easy to spot, even at a distance. Lucky this bird, which was seen from the Loons Hide on Orkney, was not too distant.
The Shoveler (Anas clypeata) is wide spread in the Northern Hemisphere - and we have a similar species in Australia, which, one day, I hope will feature in WBW.
I am struggling with comments at present. I'll keep posting until the fog clears - with a priority for WBW. Cheers SM.
Click the blue button and off you go.
That is a really handsome duck, well captured in your photos. Many of my photos of shovelers show their bills under water, so you did very nicely!
ReplyDeletenice to see this wonderful male. I have not seen any of them where I live this summer :(
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning bill the Shoveler has. This bird looks very much like the Northern Shoveler which visits the Cape in South Africa and central East Africa. I would love to see one! Thanks for sharing, Stewart, and thanks for hosting this meme. I've posted about one of my all -time favorite birds this week so we're evens! LOL. I'll link up to you tomorrow (Wednesday in South Africa) Have a great day. Greetings Jo
ReplyDeleteThis is a wintering duck for us here in Arizona. Such a beautifully colored bird!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the duck. It's colors are very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI can see why it's one of your favorites, Stewart! Love that 2nd shot!
ReplyDeleteOh, Stewart, how can you choose a favorite bird? That must be like choosing your favorite kid. Not an easy thing to do.
ReplyDeleteIt's a handsome duck and it's very easy to recognize with its huge bill.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colors and an exquisite beak :)
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy Week ahead, Stewart!
Peace :)
cool color. Serious beaks
ReplyDeleteI have to agree they are a most interesting looking bird. I saw my first one just recently and was in awe of that big shovel of a beak. I am assuming it must serve a purpose exclusive to their needs, though I am not sure what that would be (and to be honest, I haven't looked into it). If you know, I would love to hear about it (showing my lazy side as I don't feel like researching it right now. I am retired after all :) Great shots, as always, Stewart. I assume you saw these on your Scotland trip. I would like to see your Australian version ... hope you do run across them soon. Be well ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Nice looking duck. I like the contrast between the yellow eye and dark green head.
ReplyDeleteAlso one of my favourite ducks Stewart. I love to see them increase in numbers in the winter.
ReplyDeleteThese are such fantastic ducks, but I've never been able to photograph one. The bills are so impressive!
ReplyDeleteLovely markings - and this one seems to have its eye on you!
ReplyDeleteit's a unique duck, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI love that beautiful and shiny green head! Great shots, my friend.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of a very handsome bird!
ReplyDeleteLove these shots. I know the feeling, I am struggling as well with comments and too many photos taken while we were away Diane
ReplyDeleteStewart, one of our favorite ducks. Wonderful captures. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteStewart, you KNOW how I love "quackers"...I mean ducks...does it "quack"?...:)JP
ReplyDeleteHe's pretty even though his bill looks out of proportion...Unique
ReplyDeleteWonderful! AND it's a bird I know and have seen around here!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful emerald neck.
ReplyDeleteLovely shots.
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart, great photos of the shoveler. Lovely markings. We had a family bereavement and I have only just returned after a blog break. I am hoping to participate again next week. I am still trying to slowly get my mojo back.
ReplyDeleteI can't pick a favourite...I like all birds...beautiful creatures.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds and the pictures brought a smile to my face as well (especially since lately the only birding I'm doing is virtually). We saw some kind of Shovelers for the first (and only) time when we were in Alaska a couple summers ago.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful duck. Perfect timing.
ReplyDeleteQuite a beak on these guys! Nice photos...
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