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Platte River Status: An abundant migrant and uncommon breeding species. Occurrence dates at the Mormon Island Crane Meadows, Hall County, extend from 13 March to 25 September. Tout (1947) considered northern shoveler only a migrant in Lincoln County, present 10 March to 5 July, and 4 September to 15 November. The presence of birds during late May through early July suggests that this species must have nested there at least occasionally. Rosche (1979) reported northern shoveler in the lower North Platte River Valley during 10 March to 3 June, and 8 October to 6 November.

Breeding Range: An uncommon summer resident on remnant wetlands in the Rainwater Basin area of the Eastern Plain and in the Sandhills. Rare and local during the breeding season in the Platte River Valley; accidental elsewhere.

Breeding Population: The population in 1979-1980 was estimated at 655 breeding pairs. Northern shoveler made up 10% of the breeding waterfowl population on Waterfowl Production Areas in the Rainwater Basin area in 1983 (USFWS files).

Habitat: We found a mean density of 3.0 pairs/km² on prairie wetlands. Seasonal and semipermanent wetlands bordered by upland native grasslands appear to be used most regularly although river impoundments are occasionally occupied. Faanes (1982) reported that most northern shovelers on a central North Dakota study area occupied either fresh semipermanent wetlands, or saline permanent wetlands. Kantrud and Stewart (1977) reported that densities of northern shovelers in North Dakota were almost equal in temporary wetlands (26.2 pairs/km²) and seasonal wetlands (34.4 pairs/km²).

Effect of Habitat Alteration: De-watering of the Platte River system for agricultural production, drainage of wetlands in the Rainwater Basin area, and conversion of wet meadows and low prairie to cropland have adversely impacted nesting and brood rearing habitat for this species.

Nesting Data: We have two confirmed nest records from the study area, including a brood at the Taylor Ranch, Hall County on 26 July 1985. Egg dates in North Dakota range from 6 May to 20 July (Stewart 1975).