Most of our ducks are here in the winter--only a few are present in the summer months. They are an identification challenge for most of us, especially the immatures and females.
When I lived in Virginia I was fortunate enough to bird with a lady who had spent 40 + years banding warblers. She could identify any warbler she saw even a glimpse of immediately. We were birding one day and we came across some ducks. I asked her if she recognized the species and her answer was, "They're ducks." She hadn't spent nearly as much time learning about ducks. However, for those who are interested in learning more about these birds, consider getting this book.
This slender volume is dedicated to the 45 species of ducks, geese and swans that occur in Texas. The book has an interesting and informational profile on each bird, a range map and a bibliography to help those who are looking for more information. If there is one thing I would like to have seen, it would be at least one photo of each bird in flight. That seems to be the way I see them many times and the only photos were of ducks on the water.
Published by Texas A&M University Press, the book is $25 and well worth the addition to your library if you would like to learn more about these fascinating birds. On Amazon, you can get the book for $16.76.
Good birding!
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