Pretty Pair of Ringnecks: 2019 NC Duck Stamp

L

Larry Eckart

Well-known member
Guys (and Dani),
The link below takes you to the winner of the 2019 North Carolina Duck Stamp. It's a beautiful pair of Ringnecks and I must admit a fondness for those misnamed Ringbills.

My first acquaintance with Ringers was in the public marshes of Carlyle Lake in Central Illinois. This was in the early 70's when friend Mark and I had tremendous enthusiasm, few skills and no money for equipment. I remember clearly on that day the clouds were low, the temperatures falling, the snow spitting and small clusters of birds schooled us that they were faster than we could swing our Mossberg 500's.

We dropped a few and then realized we had no idea what they were: some kind of brownish/black diver ducks.

We took them home and even Mark's father couldn't identify them.

Years later when I dropped some early season Ringers, I realized that those unidentified birds of my memory were juvenile Ringnecks.

Wonderful gifts of the marsh!
Larry

https://www.ncwildlife.org/News-Archives/2019-north-carolina-duck-stamp-features-pair-of-ring-necked-ducks?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nc-wildlife-update&utm_content=March+2019-2nd
 
Seems like an excellent choice. It's too bad the article doesn't show the 2nd through 5th choices. I imagine they're quite good as well.
 
Good morning, Larry~


Misnamed, indeed! I give a "Beginning Ornithology" presentation hereabouts. My examples of "worst-ever bird names" are:


Red-bellied Woodpecker
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Ring-necked Duck


I hope to see some Spring Ringbills soon!


All the best,


SJS





 

Subtle things, especially in nature and art can be overlooked, and taken for granted.

The Ring-Necked duck is properly named.

Misconception occurs cuz folks think of the Ring-necked pheasant rooster, and the Mallard drakes white neck ring. So if the ring does not grab the eye immediately, some folks think what the heck there isn't a ring? Well there IS, and that is what makes the duck unique.


As I've posted before. The 1954, Sports Afield Know Your Ducks And Geese, small paper back book was my waterfowl bible. Countless hours were spent reading and rereading it, and studying each and every painting by Angus H. Shortt.

Of special interest was the Ring-Necked Duck, as Pymatuning , PA was listed as one of the ducks breeding areas. We lived only 30mins. away.

Also the painting shows the ring, very subtle, but there, around the drakes neck. Ah Ha!


Western PA is a major flight lane of the Ring-Necked duck, if one knows where to look, and when. So I waited at a good spot, shot some lesser Scaup that came to the decoys. Then a flock of Ring-Necked ducks came over. I saw the difference, and shot my first RN drake. It was many years ago, but I have never forgotten that day.

Yup I'm very fond of Ring-Necked ducks, and they taste good.


Best regards
Vince
 
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