Some areas of Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge were very ducky yesterday. These hen and drake Northern Shovelers were among the dabbling ducks I found.

Hen and drake Northern Shovelers at Sequoyah NWR, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaHen and drake Northern Shovelers at Sequoyah NWR – Canon R7, f8, 1/1000, ISO 800, +0.7 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light

I was surprised, though, that none of the male Northern Shovelers I saw were in their breeding plumage. The drakes I found were in eclipse plumage. The male in the photo above is on the left—you can tell by his black bill. In Utah, at this time of year, most of the drakes I saw were in breeding plumage.

Northern Shovelers are not year-round residents here; they are present during the coldest months of the year. That will take me some time to get used to.

It was great to see so many different species of dabbling ducks yesterday at the refuge. I did think it was strange to not see any diving ducks among them.

Every time I go to the refuge, I learn something new. That? Is always a good thing.

Life is good,

Mia

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