91-28

Maryland 1991

Shovelers by David Tumbaugh

Fred's Anecdotal Note

1991 MARYLAND

For the first time, a Shoveler Duck makes its appearance on a MILFORD First Day Cover. It is so named because of the shape of its large bill. The Shoveler draws in water at the front of the bill and, after filtering out a diet of seeds, small snails, and aquatic insects, the strained water flows out of the sides of the bill. The hand- painted cachet shows a drake and hen.

Stamp numbers used were 29681 through 29990 except 753, 765, 793, 917, 957, 971 and 989.