The big spatulate bill of the Northern Shoveler is adapted to take this habit to the extreme.This is a bird of open wetlands, such as wet grassland or marshes with some emergent vegetation. Its broad bill gives it an advantage over most ducks easily out performing feeding.
Shovelers are quiet ducks and are monogamous, and the females defecate on their eggs to discourage predators.
This carving is made from two pieces of tupelo, with feathers carved and burned. Its piercing yellow eyes give it a mischievous look. Great addition to any end table or bookcase. It took 18 hours to create and was done in November 2015.
