It was interesting to watch this pair of Shoveler Duck this week feeding in the shallow area of one of the lakes in the local parkland. They were working together by spinning around in the same spot with their long beaks submerged in order to stir up the silt at the bottom. Just like an auger. I read that they filter food through the sides of their beaks such as plankton, crustaceans, insects and seeds and squeezed the water out with their tongues.
I did also observe another male Shoveler in a deeper part of the lake diving for about an average of 6 seconds at a time. After about each five dives it would shake the water form its wings. It didn't realise they were diving ducks as well.
Hauskat kuvat lapasorsista;-) Mitähän syötävää ne löytävät.
ReplyDeleteKiitos Anne, heidän täytyy tietää, mitä he etsimääsi.
DeleteNice pics Roy, Shovelers are definitely one of the most under-appreciated of all our wonderful wildfowl. Interesting to read about the behaviour as well, especially the unusual diving individual.
ReplyDeleteThanks David.
DeleteWe have a local pair of shovellers doing exactly the same thing here, but without the diving. Their heads are under water so much anyway I'm amazed they can breathe
ReplyDeleteThanks Simon.
DeleteHi Roy,
ReplyDeleteI have also witnessed the Shovelers diving for food on Lynch Lake which is behaviour I have not seen before.
I read that it is something they only rarely do, but these birds do it frequently!
All the best,
Paul Taylor.
Hi Paul, Thanks mate.
DeleteInteresting and informative Roy.
ReplyDeleteThanks John.
DeleteVery nice this shovelers.
ReplyDeleteI myself have not seen them this winter.
Thanks Helma.
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