Submission No 379: Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Ash Island, Newcastle, NSW. 28th July 2002 - 1st August 2002 (Unpublished). Submitted by: D. Howarth.

Verdict: Accepted

This submission describes a male Northern Shoveler associating with Australasian Shovelers A rhynchotis and other waterfowl on a deep pond within the Ash Island Wildlife Refuge, Near Newcastle NSW. The bird was seen on multiple occasions by many observers between the 28th July 2002 and the 1st August 2002.

The description is brief but does describe the diagnostic the black head with a green gloss, chestnut flanks, blue-grey wings, white breast and black back. Direct comparison with Australasian Shovelers and the experience of the observers all add up to a positive case with members voting unanimously in favour of acceptance.

The submission also makes mention of additional reports of male Northern Shovelers from the Paterson River and Taree region, but these are yet to come before the committee. This is the third record to be accepted by BARC.

References and Bibliography:

· Marchant, S. & P.J. Higgins. (Eds). 1990. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds. Volume 1 (part B). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Tony Palliser
Chairman Birds Australia Rarities Committee (BARC)