Northern shovelers (Spatula clypeata) are dabbling ducks that are quite distinctive because of their very large spoon-shaped bills that they use to scoop up crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, and seeds. I love watching them as they swim together, in what I call a shoveler ballet, using centrifugal force to draw up the food from the bottom.
Male northern shoveler resting on the edge of the Reservoir, Central Park, March 5, 2022
Northern shoveler taking care of grooming, the Reservoir, Central Park, January 7, 2021
This video was filmed February 29, March 12 and March 15, 2020, at the Reservoir in Central Park. The shovelers go round and round and round to stir up their food, set to music by Scott Joplin (The Chrysanthemum Rag, performed by Gerluz). I am especially fascinated how members of the “corps de ballet” join the circle and depart it.
Northern shoveler ready for his closeup, the Reservoir, Central Park, January 13, 2021
Male northern shoveler, the Reservoir, Central Park, March 27, 2021
Male northern shoveler, the Reservoir, Central Park, April 3, 2021
Northern shoveler pair, the Reservoir, February 29, 2020
Male northern shoveler, the Reservoir, Central Park, March 20, 2020
Female northern shoveler, the Reservoir, March 20
Northern shovelers on the Reservoir on March 20, 2020.
Some photos of the corps de ballet, March 15, 2020.
Male northern shoveler, the Reservoir, Central Park, April 28, 2019
Northern shoveler, Central Park Reservoir, November 3, 2019
