This is typical behaviour for Northern Shovelers. They’re swirling to stir up food beneath the surface. I’ve seen them do it singly or in pairs, but never in a cyclone like this, amazing!
Exactly! Shovelers are excellent sediment sifters. Their bills are wider and flattened, more so than other dabbling ducks, filled with lots of lamellae. It helps them strain the water and mud for invertebrates. They’re very good at what they do and their specialization allows them to live alongside other dabbling ducks without competing.
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u/Agitated-Tie-8255 3d ago
This is typical behaviour for Northern Shovelers. They’re swirling to stir up food beneath the surface. I’ve seen them do it singly or in pairs, but never in a cyclone like this, amazing!