4/25/2023

northern shovelers in Spring

Northern Shovelers visited the pond today.  They eat tiny crustaceans, other aquatic invertebrates, and seeds in and around the pond.  To filter food out of the water, they have comb-like projections (called lamellae) along the edge of their bills.  Lamellae are slightly pliable.  They help many ducks, gooses, and other birds eat by filtering edible items from mud or water.