Northern Shoveler feeding behavior
http://www.alansondheim.org/winter.mp4 These are Northern Shoveler ducks, filter feeders fairly uncommon in most parts of the US. Here, they feed linearly for short periods, then gather in rotating 'rafts'; with their heads down, they stir the bottom with their feet. The day was cold, 14 degree F wind chill, and there were Canada Geese, mallards, black ducks, ruddy ducks, swans, white ducks, ring-nosed gulls, pigeons, and others in the mix - so many birds, that the shovelers had difficulty remaining in formation. This will give you an idea of the rafts and linear drives; you'll have to wait for warmer weather, hope the birds are still there along with us, and we might have larger rafts. By the way when we left we saw a solitary immature gyrfalcon (not in the video). Enjoy! _______________________________________________ NetBehaviour mailing list [email protected] http://www.netbehaviour.org/mailman/listinfo/netbehaviour
