This Northern Shoveler painting finished 11th place in the 2003 Federal Duck Stamp Competition. Out of an estimated 200 people that attended the competition, this painting received roughly 80% of the peoples choice.

I spent a lot of time researching the Northern Shoveler. I know they look a little goofy with the large bill but if you can look past it, I think most people would have to agree that they are very striking. This painting has definitely been romanticized. It is as much about the light on the bird as it is about the bird itself.