Black Ducks!!!

[CaptnT]

Letting my dog out this morning, with coffee in hand, I watched the ducks fly into the lake behind the house. Yesterday I watched a group of gadwalls drop in, today a small flock of black ducks dropped in too. This is the earliest I have seen big ducks arriving, I hope its a indication of things to come. Last year teal season here in North MS wasn't that good (at least where I hunt). My wife was laughing at me because I was so excited about a few ducks. [img]images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]

[Jeff]

Dang Cappy that's some early Blacks, you sure it wasn't some lost mottled ducks? Man if they get down this early and it is blacks, maybe they'll make it to my neck of the woods and I can finally kill one, never got me a black duck.

[judge jb]

Captn, them gadwalls and blacks are probably some resident ducks coming in off them apt. lakes around memphis..{and golf courses}. get fed plenty and have no reason to leave... i have noticed a few blue wings in my neighborhood and Scooter has reported a few his way.. last year the big migration was peak about a week or two before season, at least here in the north.. i had rather them be a little late than too early... i am ready either way... good luck....

judge jb

[h2o_dog]

Those black ducks are probably immature mallards. I saw a flock of young locals the other day on the lake at my house, and they all looked like blacks. Full plumage not out yet. [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[CaptnT]

Thanks for your input guys, but I have been doing this awhile and I am sure of what I am seeing. I wish a had a web cam behind my house, so you guys could see it too.
H2o_dog, I have lived on this lake for seven years now, and have documented the arrival of birds for the last five. I also own several waterfowl idenifying manuals, and use high powered marine binoculars for scoping, and worked as a guide for several years. I have taken two black ducks, one is hanging on the wall. I assure you it is a black duck pair, but I can see what you mean, the mallards are also coming in and the only way to tell the difference is the speculum color. I'll try to get a picture for you nay sayers, but ol Captn'T know what he is talking about, just thought some of you guys would like to know.

I'll be interested in seeing what the warmer temps this week will do.