The red leg theory

[Wingman]

Or youins, like they say up in the mountains.

Wingman
ISAIAH 40:31

[Anatidae]

Yeah, You-uns, we-uns, and us-uns in the 'hills'.....and 'all ya'll' down South.

One of my favorite colloquialisms (vocabulary word of the day) [img]images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]comes from 'up-EAST'......where the boss comes-in and says, "Alright, yooz guyz gets back to wuik.....boaf a yuz!" (i.e. both of you). 'Always liked that one.....boafa yuz.....Ha! [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img].....and they think WE talk funny.... [img]images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

Hey 'Wingman'.....'bout when do I need to start scattering some Japanese millet on the mud flats, over here? [img]images/smiles/icon_sad.gif[/img] Isn't it gettin' close to 'time'?

[ July 17, 2002: Message edited by: Anatidae ]

[landscaper]

Aside from the fact that it makes for good conversation in the duck blind and at MSDucks, does anyone REALLY care why their feet turn red? As far as I can tell, they fly, swim, quack, die, and taste the same regardless of the color of their legs! [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Edit: I failed to thouroghly read all the posts on this topic before I put my two cents in. When I did, it made my opinion sound like a bunch of crap [img]images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] , so I took that part out! I do pose one question, though. If the change in plumage and leg color is based on photoperiod, why do ducks not all have pretty much the same color legs at pretty much the same time? Is there that big a difference in photoperiod from south Mississippi to the northern U.S. on the any given day of the year?

[ July 17, 2002: Message edited by: Landscraper ]

[Double_R]

"Is there that big a difference in photoperiod from south Mississippi to the northern U.S. on the any given day of the year?"

Yes. Summer days are much longer as you go further north, doesn't get dark in northern minnesota and parts of the prarie canada until 9:30-10:30 pm this time of year. Further north, Alaska for example, daylight last much longer.

[Po Monkey Lounger]

Based upon Double Rs scientific explanation for red legs v orange legs, it appears that the red legged mallard drakes are more amourous and the ones most likely to be successfully breeding with the hens. Thus, killing the red legs could arguably reduce the breeding numbers. Perhaps, to make things more interesting (the shooting only drakes thing is no longer new and getting boring), we should aspire to only shoot those orange legged, impotent drakes. Maybe a national campaign?

[Anatidae]

'Wingman'......I totally agree with you. There are enough native grasses and other sources of food where we hunt, that planting ANYTHING is totally unecessary AND would be a 'waste'.

But I happen to have some seed left over from 2 years ago when I was trying to control erosion AND provide a seed base around a pond that was drawn-down to its lowest level in 20 years....that ducks use from time to time. The teal absolutely loved it and I enjoyed watching them....I don't shoot this hole.....just lay on the dam and get photos of various species of ducks at 10 feet, without them knowing I'm there.....It's where I do most of my spiritual contemplation and bird-watching. 'Kinda gives the birds a sanctuary, too.

Never mind..... [img]images/smiles/icon_sad.gif[/img] Maybe someone else will answer my question. Thanks just the same.

[ July 18, 2002: Message edited by: Anatidae ]

[Wingman]

Anat, I think millet is a waste of money..why not let natural grasses come up for free? All Jap millet is, is high dollar barnyardgrass.

Wingman
ISAIAH 40:31