NORTHERN SHOVELER GALLERY
(Spatula clypeata)

eBird offers this description of the Northern Shoveler:  Medium-sized duck; smaller than a Mallard. Huge, spoon-shaped bill visible at a distance and in flight. Breeding males have dark green head, white breast, and chestnut sides and belly. Females buffy-brown with large, distinctive bill. Chalky-blue upperwing. Forages by sifting through the water, often swimming in spirals in groups.  Found in small flocks of 5-10 and winters in Texas.

I first observed this bird in Lake McQueeney, right in front of my house, but over near the far shore.  I was able to get a photo from my boathouse deck.

April 21, 2020 at Lake McQueeney, Texas.
April 21, 2020 at Lake McQueeney. The lake was windy and choppy!
A group of 15 Northern Shovelers at Lake McQueeney, mostly males, April 21, 2020.