Howdy,

I've recently posted a number of images of Northern Shoveler and American
Wigeon. I don't know too much about fall plumages of immature ducks, so was
looking for a bit of input on the ages/sexes of certain individuals.

The images can be accessed from
www.birdinfo.com/A_Images_N/NorthernShoveler_image.html and
www.birdinfo.com/A_Images_A/AmericanWigeon_image.html

On the shovelers, the extensive brown feather edgings, particularly on the
scapulars are the mark of an immature bird. Does the same hold true for
wigeon.

Particularly what is the age/sex of
www.birdinfo.com/A_Images_A/AmericanWigeon_0006.html

For the shovelers, the following bird looks like it might be a male - any
comments? www.birdinfo.com/A_Images_N/NorthernShoveler_0012.html

Lastly, I don't recall previously seeing the beautiful small markings on the
chest of a male shoveler, as seen in the following image. Would this be a
bird just completing a moult, or might it be an aberrant plumage?
www.birdinfo.com/A_Images_N/NorthernShoveler_0010.html

Thank you.

Michael G. Shepard
North American Bird Information Web Site: www.birdinfo.com