New Zealand Shoveler

Species       Anas rhynchotis variegata
Maori name Kuruwhengi

Widespread especially on lowland lakes and wetlands, a medium sized colourful duck with large, grey, strikingly spatulate bill.
The male has a chesnut flank with a white spot aft. Back is variegated, head and neck slate grey with a white crescent in front of the eye which is bright golden yellow. The breast is varigated grey-brown.
The female is generally mottled mid-brown all over.
They breed in thick grass or rough pasture, the female incubates while the male stands guard.

After dropping Daughter E to work in the city I took a quiet drive down to the lake and thought I would wait for the sun to shine, needless to say not much was happening and I got tired of waiting so came home. As soon as I walked in the door the sun decided to shine - its always the way :)

I was so surprised by the wonderful comments, stars and hearts for yesterdays rose of thoughts, many thanks to all of you :))

Have a good week everyone :)