Shoveler (Northern Shoveler)

Hi all

Her are a few shots of a Shoveler (Northern Shoveler). These are vagrants her in Iceland and this is the first time I get decent shots of this species (only seen one two times before). I have a question for those of you who know this species better than me. On an adult drake the head should be all green and the breast all white. Is this a young drake? Please feel free to comment (C&C).

Sindri, that is one odd duck. It could be some sort of cross. Here are some shovelers I shot awhile back, and the colors are well defined and separated. And there are no marks on the front like this guy has.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=302303

Hi Mitch

I've been going through some books and they show similar patterns on the chest and the same colour less area near the beak during eclipse but I thougt you would only see that in the fall?!?

Well, living in Iceland, isn't it always Fall, unless it's Winter?

I don't know much about the duck really. Only seen it close up the first time last fall. But never seen any duck like that.

Very nice series Sindri, I can't help you with this one, I havent found one yet.

Up close and personal on #4! Very nice to see such fine shots. I saw a pair on Sunday at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, but they were between me and the sun and about 50 yards away and I couldn't get a good shot. Mine would have paled in comparison anyway. Your shots are always an inspiration.

Very nice photos of one of my favourite ducks. I believe that this drake is simply molting into breeding plumage. All your ice and cold weather up there have probably retarded his progress.

Beautiful shots, Sindri. I wouldn't have a clue about the markings. I can't ID half the birds that show up on my own feeders...

Jet hot man!
Nice work!

Great shots. All our shovelers have pretty much left the Wetlands to head back North. I haven't seen any in a few weeks. I can't be of any help as well.

Wonderful images of the shoveler Sindri. Are they as friendly as the ones in Austin? They let me get within a couple of meters away.

Excellent shots with great colours, the details on the eyes and bill are amazing! I also agree, this is a molting adult drake, this species holds their eclipse plummage until February, which is later than others, so it does appear to be somewhat stunted, perhaps by the cold weather as suggested...I am curious, how long has this bird been there and is he still there?

Wonderful shots here Sinri. I can't believe that yo were able to get this close.

Terrific images here of a duck I have never seen but would like to very much. Beautiful!!

Very nice shots. I've never been that close to one!