Big Northern Mallard

[jordano]

if they're big mallards, they've probably been here all summer.  Northerns show up skinny and won't fill out for a couple of weeks after they arrive.

bright orange feet are nothing more than a hormonal change.

I beg to differ, the northers are gonna be the bigger ducks, they have been sitting up north eating 24/7 getting nice and fat for the flight down and have alot of fat and more meat because of it. locals will leave by the time they get big like that and will get shot as "northers" farther south when their nice and fat.

Share your wealth of knowledge with us...Qualify it with your facts... I am with GD........Bring on the skinny birds..

\
skyhigh... I'm not trying to be a smartass or funny... are you a biologist? you have asked a couple of questions in some recent forums that make it seem like you are. I am studying to be a Fisheries Biologist with a minor in Wildlife Biology and then going to get my masters in Fisheries...

[General Disarray]

ducksdoom,

That is a common misperception in regards to "big northern ducks with red legs".  In fact it is just the opposite of what you have always heard.  When the northerns first arrive, they are worn down and have used a lot of their stored fat reserves to make their journey along with fighting the winter conditions way up north.  They're not sitting around, eating grain and enjoying an indian summer.  Once they arrive they begin to hit the corn fields and will fatten up again fairly quick.

As for the red legs, it's not from swimming in the cold water or standing on ice.  It's a change in their hormones as their bodies change in preparation of the upcoming breeding season. 

The keys I use to figuring out if the "northerns" are in is to watch the local corn fields around dusk and look for duck swarms.  Or shoot a duck that was banded somewhere north of you this summer!

[jordano]

ducksdoom,

That is a common misperception in regards to "big northern ducks with red legs".  In fact it is just the opposite of what you have always heard.  When the northerns first arrive, they are worn down and have used a lot of their stored fat reserves to make their journey along with fighting the winter conditions way up north.  They're not sitting around, eating grain and enjoying an indian summer.  Once they arrive they begin to hit the corn fields and will fatten up again fairly quick.

As for the red legs, it's not from swimming in the cold water or standing on ice.  It's a change in their hormones as their bodies change in preparation of the upcoming breeding season. 

The keys I use to figuring out if the "northerns" are in is to watch the local corn fields around dusk and look for duck swarms.  Or shoot a duck that was banded somewhere north of you this summer!

very interesting! thank you for the information! much appreciated! and makes sense! 

[Wacenturion]

ducksdoom,

That is a common misperception in regards to "big northern ducks with red legs".  In fact it is just the opposite of what you have always heard.  When the northerns first arrive, they are worn down and have used a lot of their stored fat reserves to make their journey along with fighting the winter conditions way up north.  They're not sitting around, eating grain and enjoying an indian summer.  Once they arrive they begin to hit the corn fields and will fatten up again fairly quick.

As for the red legs, it's not from swimming in the cold water or standing on ice.  It's a change in their hormones as their bodies change in preparation of the upcoming breeding season. 

The keys I use to figuring out if the "northerns" are in is to watch the local corn fields around dusk and look for duck swarms.  Or shoot a duck that was banded somewhere north of you this summer!

Pretty much spot on.  Initially they are also less wary when decoying, for awhile that is. 

[CountryslickR]

Every banded bird that I have shot..(over 25) has been fat and sassy and has had not red feet, but bright orange....and this has been the case with early season as well as very late season birds...........of course...opinions and experiences vary..

[Superhunter333]

I dont care where they come from i just love shootin them

[buman31]

I don't know for a fact if this is a northern bird or not.  Just making an observation based on what I have been told.  Sorry to cause such a great debate here  .  

As to the steel shot question, I only shoot steel shot on this property, pheasant or duck hunting. Too many good wetlands here to pump lead into.

[General Disarray]

Every banded bird that I have shot..(over 25) has been fat and sassy and has had not red feet, but bright orange....and this has been the case with early season as well as very late season birds...........of course...opinions and experiences vary..

I try to base my opinions on proven science.  Something about being right all the time!

[h2ofowlr]

ducksdoom,

That is a common misperception in regards to "big northern ducks with red legs".  In fact it is just the opposite of what you have always heard.  When the northerns first arrive, they are worn down and have used a lot of their stored fat reserves to make their journey along with fighting the winter conditions way up north.  They're not sitting around, eating grain and enjoying an indian summer.  Once they arrive they begin to hit the corn fields and will fatten up again fairly quick.

As for the red legs, it's not from swimming in the cold water or standing on ice.  It's a change in their hormones as their bodies change in preparation of the upcoming breeding season. 

The keys I use to figuring out if the "northerns" are in is to watch the local corn fields around dusk and look for duck swarms.  Or shoot a duck that was banded somewhere north of you this summer!

[gadwall]

Nice bird, and a great picture.




Gadwall.

[PNWsportsman]

So...  I have noticed that most of the mallards I shoot in Moses hole are larger birds than the majority of the mallards I shoot on the westside.  Anyone notice this and/or can shed some biological insight?

[ducks55]

More corn, grain, etc. to feed on I would imagine. Plus its colder over here so they feed more.

[brew]

you can always tell a Northern bird by its accent....."Quack, Quack, Quack--- 'ay ? "

[Wacenturion]

More corn, grain, etc. to feed on I would imagine. Plus its colder over here so they feed more.

Exactly......but for the most part more the type and quantity of feed that puts weight on quickly.  Westside generally lacking if compared to eastern agricultural lands.

[KwackWacker]

looks like a big healthy basin local to me........btw I dont think you need face paint when you are walkin around with blaze orange lol