Duck ID resources

[Dead Ringer]

So, with two ID posts in the opening week, why don't we share some good resources for waterfowl ID? Please add to the list...

Ducks Unlimited:

• http://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-id

Cornell's All about birds (check out the sound files for your calling training too!):

• http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/browse_tax/6/

If you were to buy 1 book for field ID, get the Lemaster method book. It will fit in your blind bag and is great since it shows birds, their bills and feet for ID:

• http://www.amazon.ca/Waterfowl-Ident...emaster+method

Wings are also very species specific among ducks. Those of you who send in wings know this, but the people on the receiving end are IDing your birds based on wings alone, so it's obviously a good way to discern among the species. Same reason we leave a wing on for transport. A bit technical when you get into the age/sex, but for species it is pretty straighforward. This resource has all you need for wing ID:

• online format: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/b...x.htm#contents
• pdf format for use offline: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~csdepern/docum...rfowlWings.pdf

Any birding field guide (Petersons, Sibley's, etc) will have pictures plus behavioural and territorial info. Some have flight pattern and rhythm info, which is useful on the wing. Most seasoned waterfowlers will be able to discern a hen pintail from a hen mallard at 200 yards by flight pattern alone.

When you think you have it all down pat, check out the Delta Waterfowl quizzes to test yourself:

• http://www.deltawaterfowl.org/quizzes.html

[phitty]

Good post, thx. I have the LeMaster but I really wish it came laminated. It's getting pretty soggy and dog eared now.

[JMatthews]

I think waterfowl identification is one of the reasons so many hunters ultimately become bird watchers. You see all kinds of wild life while hunting and identifying various birds just helps to pass the time.

[Dead Ringer]

I'll also add this one to the list. It's a bit pricey, but is a great resource. For the duck nerd who wants to go beyond ID. The classic has been updated:

https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/cont...-north-america

Not sure how much longer it will be valid, but promo code HNAF should bring it down to $50 plus shipping.

[leveteran]

Thanks You very much DR , you are so resourceful , How is your season so far in Florida?

[Dead Ringer]

No problem sir. I'm in Illinois, actually. We had a teal season for 2 weeks in Sept. and it was a bust. Duck season doesn't open for another month here. Missing those liberal season dates already.

[Markster]

This was the old standby back in the day when I got my hunting license. It came with the manuals

http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/duckdist/

[Dead Ringer]

This was the old standby back in the day when I got my hunting license. It came with the manuals

http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/duckdist/

Good one, thanks!

[Buddy Boy]

Hello Dead Ringer,

I recently read in a waterfowl magazine that the new edition of "The Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America" is now available in a two volume set.

For those interested in a detailed swan identification brochure check out The Trumpeter Swan Society (TTSS) web page and click on the "identification" tab. You may print this brochure from your home computer. The Tundra Swans will be in southern Ontario in about four weeks.

The State of Utah also has a swan identification course that you can take online at http://www.utah-hunt.com/utswancourse/ if you like.

Thanks for the other references.

Jerome Katchin, D.V.M.

[Dead Ringer]

Buddy boy, I sent the link to santa a few months ago. For those who want to buy it, there was a discount code for 30% off but I'm not sure if it's still valid. HNAF. it was last week...