Todd, The canvasback was just about fully plumed. Most of the mottling now gone. Lots of divers this year in my area and plenty of mallards too. The geese are building in numbers year by year and now nest in many waters not used by them in years past. I had 80 Whitefronts pass over my house this evening so the migration flight is on and as you know the Whitefronts are near the front of the migration. Had a flock of Sandhill Cranes land in the lake behind my home about 7 pm today. There were a thousand birds in a field near my home this afternoon with a mixture of Mallards and Geese. So it looks like a tremendous season. Snow here tomorrow am and about 6" fell on my ducking waters since yesterday. It will all be gone within a couple of days but the message is clear to those who hunt here. Get out while you can for a lot of snow and a deep freeze will drive a lot of the birds south. Harvest was early this year and many farmers are near finished.
KY John, You are absolutely correct I looked for that second trigger more than once when I first started shooting but it is amazing how the mind can switch to mechanics of the gun in hand.
Glad you enjoyed the story I just wanted to warm your hearts and set your hand busy to ensure that the decoys, guns, blinds, and other waterfowling accrutements are all ready.
