I’ve never done a species-specific bird post, have I? In the interest of doing something new, I’ll be focusing on just one species I saw yesterday. Canada geese (Branta canadensis) and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) are the most well-known and most frequently seen waterfowl in southern Wisconsin. Others are not quite as common but are still seen regularly here. One such bird is the northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata).
From a distance, they are easily recognizable by their white and cinnamon plumage, but their most striking feature at a closer range is their comically large bill.
If you asked me what I think the most beautiful duck is, I would respond with a list topped by northern pintails (Anas acuta) and wood ducks (Aix sponsa). I would not think to put northern shovelers on that list. Yet, despite their lack of elegance, there is something charming about them. The warm cinnamon and deep green are captivating colors and I love the golden eyes of the drakes. But, of course, it’s that giant bill that wins me over. It makes them look awkward but in the most endearing way. Perhaps “adorkable” is an appropriate word.
They can be seen in the Madison area any time of year, but I have the most sightings of them during migration. In early winter, they are one of the birds that hang around at Babcock Park in McFarland, sometimes in a very large flock. During spring and fall I have seen them on many ponds in the area.
