Late last fall we saw a northern shoveler for the first time. It is such a spectacular looking duck, from its bill to its colouring. I couldn’t have asked for more until…on our third sighting of the shoveler, this wigeon joined him for a swim around the lake. The day was cloudy but there were nice reflections in the water and then there were these ducks, they would dress up any occasion.
March 19, 2017 at 10:26 am
Gorgeous! They seem like good companions even if just temporarily so.
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March 19, 2017 at 10:35 am
Thank you. The seemed to be so😊
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March 15, 2017 at 7:38 pm
So cute companions! ❤ Lovely photos, Belinda.
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March 15, 2017 at 8:26 pm
Thank you very much!
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March 15, 2017 at 2:39 pm
Sweet! 🙂 They can fly, walk, and swim… and look beautiful!
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March 15, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Thank you!
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March 15, 2017 at 2:19 pm
Interesting companions, I rarely see different species mixing, but when numbers are down, one must flock regardless! Great shots, Belinda.
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March 15, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Actually the ducks around here are pretty sociable😊 These two varieties though were an unusual sight. Glad you like them.
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March 15, 2017 at 12:44 pm
Seems odd to see these two side by side. Bright colours, well captured shots.
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March 15, 2017 at 2:54 pm
A first for me too. Thanks!
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March 15, 2017 at 11:58 am
Great picture – and so good to see our Shoveler over with you – many ducks are simply beautiful.
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March 15, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Thank you Adrian. From the most common to rare, ducks are beauties!
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March 15, 2017 at 11:03 am
Have never seen one. Here or in NE. Nice shots.
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March 15, 2017 at 11:08 am
Thank you. It was wonderful to see a new species.
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March 15, 2017 at 10:10 am
What a cool pair! I see so many Shovelers in the Winter that I mostly ignore them like Coots. You’ve made me stop and think! I love that this was a first sighting for you! I shouldn’t take any birds for granted, but I do.
The images are gorgeous with great clarity, and textures.
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March 15, 2017 at 11:07 am
Common as coots eh, I haven’t see one of those either!😊 It was exciting to see the shoveler for it’s novelty and beauty. Pleased you like the shots.
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March 15, 2017 at 11:12 am
You haven’t seen a Coot? Oh my I really must stop taking them for granted! I understand they’re very rare in Hawaii too.
I hope you see one someday!
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March 15, 2017 at 11:53 am
Never. It seems they are more common on the west coast of Canada and only occasionally spotted in the east. I hope to see one as well.
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March 15, 2017 at 3:16 pm
Well I hope you get to this side of pond during Winter to see both Shovelers, and Coots. 🙂
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March 15, 2017 at 3:22 pm
Sounds nice!
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March 15, 2017 at 9:49 am
It’s so often we see the male paired with the female, so how wonderful that you found these two beautiful species together. Stunning photo, Belinda. I love seeing the wigeon’s bill reflection…and the handsome spatulate bill of the northern shoveler is nicely profiled here.
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March 15, 2017 at 10:56 am
Thank you Jet. I don’t know where their mates were. ‘Boys Night Out’ I guess😊
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March 15, 2017 at 9:33 am
Nice shot. The Shoveler was the 1st interesting duck I learned to identify. Prior to that, they were all just ‘ducks’.
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March 15, 2017 at 10:52 am
Thank you. I hope they return again this year.
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March 15, 2017 at 8:09 am
Beautiful sharp shots of the two colorful water fowl.
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March 15, 2017 at 11:14 am
Thanks very much.
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March 15, 2017 at 7:47 am
Very nice captures of two beautiful birds! It’s wonderful when we get surprises like that.
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March 15, 2017 at 10:48 am
Thank you. Yes it is😊
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