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Tuesday 30 July 2013

Shoveler in summer plumage (Anas clypeata)

Shovelers 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% of the NW European population, making it an Amber List species. (RSPB)









37 comments:

  1. i really like these guys. so distinctive, even without their breeding plumage. :)

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  2. Spore mają dzioby te bardzo ładne kaczki. Pozdrawiam.
    These bills are a lot of very nice duck. Yours.

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  3. The last picture steals the show.

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  4. det er en pen and, kjempe fine bilder igjen ! :-)

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  5. He looks very funny with that beek. Looks like someone accidently stepped on it.

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  6. Great photos of this shoveler.
    All very well photographed, compliment Bob.

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  7. Superb shots Bob. He'll soon be back looking as beautiful as ever!...[;o)

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  8. Interesante pico, grande y en forma de espátula. Un abrazo,

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  9. I LOVE THE VERY HUGE SPATULATE BILLS LOL
    BOB
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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  10. I didn't know that. I had to look up What Amber species list meant. They come in the thousands here to Tucson during the winter months.

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  11. BOB BOnsoir mais tu en vois tant de canards d'oiseaux
    j'adore ta dernière photo oui j'adore

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  12. Hola Bob bellas imagenes del Cuchara con el plumaje en eclipsis.Un abrazo

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  13. Bob, wonderful shots of the Shoveler!

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  14. Another beautiful duck Bob!!
    So colourful!!!Amazing shots as always!!!
    Is it cool over there?Here,OMG!!!Hot!!!
    Dimi...(i love the song!!!)

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  15. Bob, this is a duck we share on both sides of the pond! Love these images.

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  16. Hi Bob.. Brilliant images of this fantastic duck.. Congrats and greetings..

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  17. Hi Bob All the shots are fantastic and I was trying to pick out which one I liked the best. However, every shots says something different to me.

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  18. For some reason, that spatulate bill gives me the impression of a scowling old judge.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, put a pair of glasses, and yes an old judge, ha ha.

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  19. The name is so appropriate and its beak is awesome.

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  20. I learn so much from you about the birds. This one is a beautiful one Bob.
    Have a wonderful day.

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  21. They are colorful and pretty ducks, great shots!

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  22. so lovely shots Bob!!!!!He is very happy....i see it!!!!
    best wishes from Greece
    Christa

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  23. Fantastic duck...He looks like he wanted to be photographed ..

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