Gadwall x Northern Shoveler

Gadwall x Northern Shoveler hybrid, South Platte River, Adams County (Colorado, USA), 26th February 2012 - copyright Steve Mlodinow

(photo ID: 1318)

This highly distinctive hybrid is usually quite a surprise when people first come across it - who would have thought that a hybrid between Gadwall and Shoveler would have such an obvious pale cheek!  Actually several Gadwall hybrids have pale buffy cheeks, though not always as obvious as this.  The bronzy-coloured cap is also shared by some other Gadwall hybrids, e.g. Gadwall x Mallard.

Gadwall x Northern Shoveler hybrid, South Platte River, Adams County (Colorado, USA), 26th February 2012 - copyright Steve Mlodinow

(photo IDs: 1314-1317)

Cathy photographed this bird when it returned for at least its third winter.  That's not white plumage on its tertials and rear scapulars - it's frost.  Brrrr!

Gadwall x Northern Shoveler hybrid, South Platte River, Adams County (Colorado, USA), 25th December 2013 - copyright Cathy Sheeter

(photo ID: 1842)

Gadwall x Northern Shoveler hybrid, La Paz (Baja California Sur, Mexico), January 2008 - copyright Steve Mlodinow

(photo ID: 2210)

Gadwall x Northern Shoveler hybrid (with Northern Shovelers), Stewart's Pond, near La Salle, Weld County (Colorado, USA), 6th April 2015 - copyright Steve Mlodinow

(photo IDs: 2233-2234)

This bird retuned to the same location in the next two successive springs.  Here it is in 2017.

Gadwall x Northern Shoveler hybrid (presumed same bird as in photo IDs 2233-2234 above), Stewart's Pond, Weld County (Colorado, USA), 18th March 2017 - copyright Steve Mlodinow

(photo ID: 3175)

Gadwall x Northern Shoveler hybrid (presumed same bird as in photo IDs 2233-2234 and 3175 above), Stewart's Pond, Weld County (Colorado, USA), 25th March 2017 - copyright Steve Mlodinow

(photo IDs: 3188-3189)

Gadwall Anas strepera
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata