December 10, 2023

I am known as a Northern Shoveler

I have a big bill but I eat tiny food

Such as minute crustaceans and seeds

That I swallow whole, I've no teeth, I don't chew.

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, MINWR

Sources: https://abcbirds.org/blog/do-ducks-have-teeth/

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 27, 2023

We are a pair of Northern Shovelers

We'll migrate soon so we built up our energy reserves

At least that's what we're telling our Keto coach

Who is getting on our very last nerves.

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, MINWF

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shoveler/overview

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 28, 2021

I am a male Northern Shoveler

Shown here with some of my friends

I look a little silly when I'm feeding

But I get food - it's a means to an end.

Location: Titusville, Blackpoint Wildlife Drive

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shoveler/media-browser/474021

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 27, 2021

I am a female Northern Shoveler

I am a very good mom

If I ever get flushed off my nest, 

Before I leave, I drop a poop bomb.

This covers my eggs and deters predators

I'm totally a mom with aplomb.

Location: Titusville, Blackpoint Wildlife Drive

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shoveler/overview

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 5, 2019

Location: Titusville, Blackpoint Wildlife Drive

I am a male Northern Shoveler
I strain food with my spatulate bill.
I swim slowly while skimming the surface.
And filter food till I get my fill.

Sources: Audubon Guide to North American Birds - Northern Shoveler

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 11, 2018

Location: Vero Beach, West Regional WWTP

I am a female Northern Shoveler
I'm known as a "dabbling" duck.
This means that I don't dive for my food,
My head goes below water but my tail stays up.

(Confidential to the women I was sitting with at the FrogWatch training: The mystery is now solved. They were not amoebas.)

Sources: Divers Vs. Dabblers

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 18, 2018

Location: Vero Beach, Vero Beach Wetlands

We are female Northern Shovelers
Named because our bills are shaped like shovels.
Our boyfriends all have bright green heads,
But our plumage is more subtle.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Northern Shoveler

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson