Community Corner

Distinctive Dabbling Duck Makes Appearance At Hammo

Check out Donna's picture of a Northern Shoveler, in breeding plumage.

Pem McNerney's profile picture
Pem McNerney, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Donna Johnson Buckley got this shot of a Northern Shoveler earlier this week. 

She saw it at Hammonasset Beach State Park. And they can probably be seen in wetlands throughout the shoreline area. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology calls the Northern Shoveler "perhaps the most outwardly distinctive of dabbling ducks," with it's iridescent green head.

Here are some "cool facts" about the Northern Shoveler, according to the Cornell Lab: 

  • "The bill of the Northern Shoveler is about 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) long. The bill has has about 110 fine projections (called lamellae) along the edges, for straining food from water."
  • "Northern Shoveler pairs are monogamous, and remain together longer than pairs of other dabbling duck species."
Sweet! 

Here's what Donna had to say: "Northern Shovelers in breeding plumage. The photographer who joined me was very excited about seeing him! Tough to shoot since his head was underwater most of the time eating. Very cool." 

We agree!

If you're headed over to Hammonasset Beach State Park, admission is still free during the week until Memorial Day. But the park is now charging on weekends. Check out the Hammonasset Beach State Park website for more information on fees and dates. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Madison