Northern Shoveler (1/11)

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae

Anas clypeata  

The Northern Shoveler is a rare visitor to Australia. A single bird seems to turn about every year or so at the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee.

I managed a very poor photo on the previous last known visit in 2011, and am pleased to have now improved upon it.

The Northern Shoveler is (in my limited experience) one of the most timid of ducks and always swims well away from people carrying cameras and looking like me.

Here it is having a stretch during a feeding session in company with Australasian Shovelers.