View allAll Photos Tagged Shovel
Not the greatest day for taking photos which such low light.
From the RSPB website:-
Shovelers (Anas clypeata) are surface feeing ducks with huge spatulate bills. Males have dark green heads, with white breasts and chestnut flanks. Females are mottled brown. In flight birds show patches of light blue and green on their wings. In the UK they breed in southern and eastern England, especially around the Ouse Washes, the Humber and the North Kent Marshes and in much smaller numbers in Scotland and western parts of England. In winter, breeding birds move south, and are replaced by an influx of continental birds from further north.
The UK is home to more than 20 per cent of the NW European population, making it an Amber List species.
More info here: www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a...
I'm not sure what this female shoveler was doing but she kept opening her beak almost like she had something stuck in her throat
The Archives Revisited.
November 2008.
Another trip to Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.
The Northern Shoveler is my favourite duck to photograph and this is the first of a number images i'll post from the day.
Images best viewed in "lights out" L key
Northern Shoveler (like Northern Pintail) lives up to the first part of its common name in that its breeding distribution is north to the Arctic Ocean, at least in the western part of the North American continent. This species also occurs in northern Europe and in Asia. The second part of the common name alludes to that massive bill, used for filter feeding. This male had made itself at home ‘grazing’ on the grounds of the Inuvik golf course in the Northwest Territories of Canada.
WWT Slimbridge - Discovery Hide.
Northern Shovelers often swim with their bills submerged, filtering water for food. They form loose flocks during migration and winter. On take-off, a shoveler’s wings can be heard making a distinctive ‘rattling’ sound, unlike any other duck species. (Birdfact).
My thanks to anyone who views, faves or comments on any of my photos. It is much appreciated.
Another shoveler photo from last weekend, I've got some plans for this weekend again for my waterbird project so hopefully I will have some more photos to upload this weekend
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A Northern Shoveler taking off from the local pond. ✔️
Sometimes, when you have an opportunity and you are not ready, just take the picture, as it was the case with this image.