Northern Shoveler
This afternoon we were pleased to see a northern shoveler duck in the marsh pond. It was hanging around with a group of four blue-winged teals which are much more common in our area. Since we see these shoveler ducks only occasionally, it was nice that this one stayed around with his teal friends for some photo opportunities rather then taking off at the first sight of annoying photographers. The northern shoveler has a rather interesting looking spoon shaped bill that it often has angled down straining water as it feeds.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
So fascinating! He is really a beauty! And his family too, of course! ☼
He is a good looker and his friends are quite attractive as well!
Fantastic shots of a beautiful bird!
Thanks very much Ruth!
Nice shots, I just had the opposite experience. Shovelers are common here but we recently had a few blue wing teal visit. It is always fun to see something unexpected in your area. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much Mike and good to know where all the shovelers are residing!
Hi Phil,
We loved your Duck shots. That Shoveler will grow into a handsome fellah! The Blue winged have already made it. We had a short visit by a rather flashy Blue Grosbeak today. I’m ashamed to send the few shots I got today The sky rat didn’t help by shaking the whole Shepard crook. I’m shaky enough.
Thanks a million Phil, glad you liked these ducks!
Very interesting, great picture.
Thanks I appreciate it Charlie!
That is a very cool bird.
It is interesting for me especially since I don’t see them often.
Fantastic shots Phil, the second one is awesome.
Thanks a lot Jan, that second shot has gone around all over already.
The northern shoveler is quite colourful 🙂
Sometimes you don’t see all the colors unless they lift up their wings. 🙂
Strange but we get lts of Northern Shovelers but Blue-winged Teal? Now that would cause a stir. I vote for the teals!!
The teals are cool but I have been seeing them off and on for a few months now. I’m always hoping for something different!
What a beautifully colored duck this is and your shots are marvelous. I wish I could get close enough to our visitors to sort out which ones vacation here for the winter.
It’s funny how some ducks like this look better when they display their wings or in flight. Interesting to see!
What amazing colours with the open wings. And the teals look extremely cute and tidy. He looks like he is rounding them up and making sure they get to their destination on time!
Those teals do look quite cute and tidy. Interestingly, the teals paid no special attention to the NS, just as if it was teal #5. 🙂
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That’s great thanks!
As always from dir…wundervolle photos!
LG Mathilda 😉
I’m happy you like them!
My what a big beak you have, says the alligator to the duck! Great photos as always Phil. Is it with Canvasbacks?
He does have a big spoony bill! He is with a group of four blue-winged teals.
Thanks, I did see it in your post after I commented.
Great color and detail you got of him! They are usually pretty skittish around here.
I really thought they would leave when I approached but they simply ignored me which was how I like it.
Thanks for checking these out.
Beautiful, colorful… It’s like a painting!
They are interesting ducks. That head will turn a solid green eventually.
WHAT? These look like leopard ducks to me – which means they are absolutely gorgeous in my book. I wonder if Teddy would mind if I adopted a duck? And Mr. Bear and Jack wonder why you don’t have a Cats category. I think I see more kit cat piles in your future….
They do look like leopard ducks and I know Jack is cool with the mallards that often walk through our backyard along with the occasional swan. I bet the Ted man would love a duck friend. Well as long as it doesn’t eat his food.
Oh you know, I never thought about the duck wanting to eat Ted’s food…hmm…could pose a problem for my diva cat. I’ll discuss with him tonight.
What a beautiful bird and photos. (Where is your marsh located anyway? At least, what State, if you don’t want to give specifics!!)
Thanks so much glad you like these pics!
I’m in the coastal South Carolina area just south of Myrtle Beach that’s where the salt marsh, marsh pond, and swamp are located. 🙂
He’s quite a handsome fellow. Great shots!
Thanks, he is quite handsome isn’t he? He will look better once his head turns all green.
Fabulous shots of a very handsome bird Phil.
Thank you Adrian, he is quite the looker but will look even better once he matures and his head is an even bright green.
Great to see a bird, familiar in England, in your pictures! Your birds are so beautiful, I was beginning to get an inferiority complex! He is a handsome bird, isn’t he? Lovely pics, Phil!
Thank you Maggie and I’m happy you like these duck photos!
Wait until we get in some roseate spoonbills, those pink guys can stop traffic! 😀
Great shots… I loved their colours… Thanks and Love, nia
Thank you Nia, so glad you liked those duck pics!
beautiful shots phil, i love how the green feathers pop out when the bird spreads its wings.
That really is an interesting aspect of their appearance, how some of the colors really show when they have their wings up or in flight.
Thanks so much for looking and commenting!
What a great design for a beak. He’s a real dandy, isn’t he? 🙂 Wonderful photos again, Phil.
He is quite the dapper gent! But he will look even better once his head turns solid green. Thanks Sylvia!
The first two pics are impressive. Good work.
Thanks much, I’m very glad you enjoyed these photos!
Holy Cow ! the first two photos of the shoveler are amazing ! The best I’ve ever seen of this shy duck.
I really appreciate the very kind words Emily and glad you like our snappy looking boy here!
Fascinating… I’ve never seen these guys! Such colors, just lovely.
I was happy to see this guy and have a chance to get pics. I went back the next day and saw the teals again but the shoveler was gone.
Amazing pics and amazing bird!! So colourful!!!! 😀
It’s funny how some birds like this look their best when the wings are up so we can see their different colors! Thanks!