"Shoveler"

11x14in acrylic on panel. Frame included.

The Northern Shoveler has become quite a popular bird in the local lakes around where I live. I have been having a great time watching them! They are called shovelers because of their broader bill, which they use to shovel in the water for a unique style of feeding called filter feeding. They use their bills to skim the water for seeds, bugs and other plant matter for a snack! 

I love looking at these highly specialized dappling ducks, not only for their broad bill and feeding habits, but for their beautiful and contrasting colors!