Floating among foraging mallards was this somewhat shabby-looking mystery duck. Well, not entirely a mystery; the splotch of chestnut on the side is a giveaway, but not as much as...
Northern Shoveler, eclipse plumage.
...the schnoz.
It seems late to find a bird not in full breeding plumage. Later in the day I came across another male in an almost identical condition.
1. The juxtaposition of those 2 shots elicited an "Oh-my-God!" even though I am quite familiar with shovelers. My husband frequently exclaims about their big beezers. Total Jimmy Durante.
2. Yes, v. interesting they're still in winter don't-see-me-just-wanna-not-freeze/starve plumage.
1 comments:
1. The juxtaposition of those 2 shots elicited an "Oh-my-God!" even though I am quite familiar with shovelers. My husband frequently exclaims about their big beezers. Total Jimmy Durante.
2. Yes, v. interesting they're still in winter don't-see-me-just-wanna-not-freeze/starve plumage.
Well named creature.
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