Northern Shoveler

 

Northern Shoveler, Blue Heron Lake

I took the bike out for a quick spin around Golden Gate Park to see what the storm might have done. I expected the downed trees (the worst of which appeared to be at South Lake, where a big conifer had fallen in the lake, and two huge eucalyptus trees lay across the parking lot), but I was surprised to see a new duck at Blue Heron Lake.

Just as I pulled over to check out the new ducks, a birder happened by, and he told me they were shovelers. Seeing my camera he said it's hard to photograph them with their beaks out of the water because they spend most of their time "shoveling" for food beneath the lake's surface. He also told me that a male and female will often swim in circles to create a little whirlpool that helps suck food up from the bottom. All of that was good to know as I watched them feed, preen, and even squabble a little bit.

I'd seen the bufflehead recently, but only today did I get a chance to photograph it at fairly close range.

Shoveler Coming Up for Air

Preening its Feathers

Fluffing its Feathers

The shoveler in front seemed to have a beef with one of the others and chased him off.

This was a lucky grab-shot, and I don't even remember if this was the chaser or the chasee.

Shoveler Showing Off Its Feathers

Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)

I take it this is a young male whose feathers still retain a bit more camouflage than the full-grown adults.

Short clip of a male and female feeding (viewing might induce dizziness!).

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