Australasian Shoveler (Anas rhynchotis) by Ian Montgomery

Ian’s Bird of the Week – Australian Shoveler

Newsletter – 11/11/11

This is really just a token bird of the week as an apology for being late, having been busy preparing, packing and travelling. I’m now on the South Island of New Zealand and surrounded by introduced birds such as Eurasian Chaffinches and Blackbirds. I had a look for Black Stilt yesterday without success so here’s a male New Zealand Shoveler instead. At least that’s what they’re called here, even though they are the same species as the Australasian Shoveler. What ever, they’re gorgeous ducks.

Australasian Shoveler (Anas rhynchotis) by Ian

I’m going to have another try at the Black Stilt today so wish me luck: your collective goodwill has worked in the past! After that, I plan to head south towards Fiordland to see what I can find there.

Best wishes

Ian
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Ian Montgomery, Birdway Pty Ltd,
454 Forestry Road, Bluewater, Qld 4818
Phone: 0411 602 737 +61-411 602 737
Preferred Email: ian@birdway.com.au
Website: http://birdway.com.au

Lee’s Addition:

Since Ian wrote a short note, I added a second one of his Australasian Shovelers to the newsletter. Click see his other Australasian Shoveler photos. Ian, will be praying you find your birds and for your safety. Trust you find your Black Stilts so we can have a look at them also.

The Shovelers are in the Anas genus of the Anatidae – Ducks, Geese & Swans Family. Ian’s Anatidae Index Page.

Cape Shoveler (Anas smithii) by Ian
Red Shoveler (Anas platalea) ©WikiC
Australasian Shoveler (Anas rhynchotis) by Ian
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) by Ian

Even though these birds could be eaten, many people like duck, I prefer to watch them instead. They are protected by:

If a bird’s nest happens to be before you along the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, with the mother sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young; you shall surely let the mother go, and take the young for yourself, that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days. (Deuteronomy 22:6-7 NKJV)

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