Folks!
May I
Introduce
The shovelers.
Their bills are special.
Wide with comb-like strainers
They sweep the water’s surface
Back and forth, swishing and slurping,
Straining out plankton and crustaceans,
Cleaning the water as they eat their lunch.
“Whadda ya say, Missus? Wanna go for a swim?”
“Naaaaah. I’m good. Just catchin’ a few rays.”
**Photo by friend, Sonia.

January 22, 2026 at 12:45 am
They’re very serious about their water cleaning! A great picture and I enjoyed their conversation. 😊
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January 22, 2026 at 9:46 am
Thanks, Lynette. I like how the female duck has her eyes closed, enjoying the sunshine.
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January 22, 2026 at 12:45 am
Nice shot. These are really cool ducks. Spotted a trio at a nearby park a few weeks ago.
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January 22, 2026 at 2:37 pm
I hate to admit that for years I hadn’t realized what pretty ducks they are. Too hung up on being in awe of the wide shovel-like bills. So nice that you noticed some near you, Bob.
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January 22, 2026 at 4:32 am
Thanks for the beautiful photo, Anneli, and an excellent example of how life works for our good.
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January 22, 2026 at 9:44 am
Great that they clean the surface as they “work” through their lunch break.
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January 22, 2026 at 5:42 am
The Northern Shovelers’ bill has real style. Cute photo of this pair Anneli. Allan
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January 22, 2026 at 9:43 am
And such vibrant colours on the drake.
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January 22, 2026 at 6:32 am
I really enjoyed seeing the shovelers. 💗🌺
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January 22, 2026 at 2:38 pm
That’s great. Thank you, Kymber.
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January 22, 2026 at 6:48 am
I’ve only seen them a few times, such amazing ducks! Fine photo.
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January 22, 2026 at 9:43 am
Thanks, Belinda. I’ll let Sonia (photographer) know.
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January 22, 2026 at 6:49 am
You have talented friends (the photographer)
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January 22, 2026 at 2:35 pm
My friend Sonia really found some treasures on her visit to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary.
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January 22, 2026 at 6:59 am
They are beautiful ducks! ❤️😊
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January 22, 2026 at 2:34 pm
I agree.
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January 22, 2026 at 4:36 pm
❤️
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January 22, 2026 at 7:28 am
I adore the Jimmy Durante schnozz on shovelers. The first time I saw them, I couldn’t believe it. Now I’m excited whenever they stop by during migration.
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January 22, 2026 at 2:33 pm
They sure know how to slurp up the goodies.
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January 22, 2026 at 7:43 am
Shiny shovelers skim succulent snacks.
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January 22, 2026 at 9:42 am
So specially served seems super sumptuous.
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January 22, 2026 at 7:55 am
The shovelers, slurping!!! This a a good poem Anneli, sending a 🤗 and big 😊, Marsha
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January 22, 2026 at 2:31 pm
Thanks, Marsha. I think many people don’t realize what pretty ducks these shovelers are.
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January 22, 2026 at 12:05 pm
These shovelers definitely know when to kick back and just enjoy the moment. Great convo and photo!
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January 22, 2026 at 2:32 pm
They do look relaxed. What a difference a few rays of sunshine can make.
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January 23, 2026 at 6:53 am
Wonderful ♥️
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January 26, 2026 at 7:56 pm
Thanks, Caleb.
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January 26, 2026 at 9:16 am
Delightful poem, and such a beautiful photo!
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January 26, 2026 at 7:54 pm
Thanks, Jennie. The photo was taken by my friend Sonia when she visited the bird sanctuary near Vancouver.
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January 27, 2026 at 4:10 am
It’s a beauty! You’re welcome, Anneli.
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January 26, 2026 at 7:36 pm
What a cool species. Quite the name too. 😊
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January 26, 2026 at 7:37 pm
I guess they do use their bills as shovels, so naming them was probably easy.
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January 27, 2026 at 4:27 am
😊
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January 27, 2026 at 1:58 am
Nice picture of the pretty birds.
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