Hunting Washington Forum
Other Hunting => Waterfowl => Topic started by: Kain on January 24, 2021, 03:39:25 PM
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Went out yesterday for a solo kayak hunt. Saw a lot of bird but they were skitish. Circle 8-9 times then bug out or land way far out and swim away. I got a few groups and singles to commit. Got about 6 shots and came home with these three. The middle one has a lot of green on the top of its head but an orangish bill. It seems pretty late to see a younger drake but what do I know, Im new to this. :chuckle:
(https://scontent.fhio2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/142592340_10218498592036905_4523249656763155136_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=0tukLuPTbq8AX9hb2OU&_nc_ht=scontent.fhio2-2.fna&oh=3181163aa3a0e7ed89eaf2585fc65a10&oe=6033563A)
(https://scontent.fhio2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/142218069_10218498592716922_4637895077229437800_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=2758Zp1IQocAX_5quyJ&_nc_ht=scontent.fhio2-2.fna&oh=758258c225898e4f31247f343968af55&oe=60350037)
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From what I have gathered over the years- the bill doesn't lie. The consensus would be that is an old hen mallard. Very common. I guess the hormones go wonky when they get up there in age.
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From what I have gathered over the years- the bill doesn't lie. The consensus would be that is an old hen mallard. Very common. I guess the hormones go wonky when they get up there in age.
Thank you. I posted on a facebook group and two others said the same. Old hen. Thats cool. She came in alone. Dont know if that matters.
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The only time I shoot a hen is when I'm certain it's a drake! :tup:
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The only time I shoot a hen is when I'm certain it's a drake! :tup:
:chuckle: Yeah I really thought it was a drake. The green on the top of the head was pretty bright in the sun light. When I picked it up I was confused.
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Due to the current trans gender rage I would say very confused on what it identifies as :chuckle:
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It looks like a eclipse phase mallard drake. I've seen them in the early season, but you never know what strange things that happen in nature.
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Thank you. I have not seen that before.
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Most likely a hermaphrodite (both sex reproductive organs). Other possibilities are an anatomical female with testosterone overproduction, or an anatomical male with overproduction of female hormones. I don't think it is an eclipse drake with its seasons messed up because the bill color, head plumage and top white line of the wing patch all show female traits.
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Gad mallard? Aka brewers duck?