Shovelers in Eclipse

In prime plumage the Shoveler Duck is really colourful with its precise markings in green, reddish brown, black, white and blue.
After the breeding season the all the worn flight feathers need replacing. It like other duck species spend about a month (unable to fly) shedding the feathers which after moulting are then replaced by new plumage.

Untidy, scruffy looking they may be, but I think a photo of the process is worthy, it being nature in action.

Male Shovevler

Female Shoveler

Female

Male