This drake Northern Shoveler swam past me on my last trip up to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. I couldn’t resist taking photos of him. Why would I want to?

Drake Northern Shoveler swimming by, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahDrake Northern Shoveler swimming by – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Male Northern Shovelers are striking-looking dabbling ducks. In breeding plumage, their black bills, iridescent green heads, white breasts, and chestnut flanks are quite eye-catching.

I know for sure that this Northern Shoveler caught my eye when he swam by.

Northern Shovelers are migratory ducks in most parts of the country. In Utah, they are year-round residents.

Northern Shoveler drake with an American Coot, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahNorthern Shoveler drake with an American Coot – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I did think it was odd that I didn’t see a hen Northern Shoveler near this male, because by now they are usually paired up. But maybe there was a female hidden in the phrags on the far side of this canal.

Female shovelers can blend into the marshy habitat far more easily than the brightly colored males.

Instead, an American Coot swam up to the male Northern Shoveler, and they paddled side by side together for a bit. I liked how this photo showed that the shoveler drake is longer in length than the coot.

I also liked how this image showed the difference in the eye color of these two species.

Another thing I enjoyed about both of these photos is how the bright blue sky was reflected on the water and mixed in with the browns of the nearby phrags.

Life is good,

Mia

Click here to see more of my Northern Shoveler photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to view more of my American Coot photos plus facts and information about this species.