They are here!!!  Ducks are relatively easy to identify. They display a pure and pristine beauty. “Daffy” and “Donald” entertain us as examples of Walt Disney’s genius. Did you know that he lived in Kansas City during his early years? Elmer Fudd had lots of angst trying to put rabbit and duck on his table. I honestly think his inept hunting escapades form some of the structure of “Duck Dynasty” as well as countless true and imagined successes and tragedies that make their way into the current literature and publications. “Ducks Unlimited” and the “Audubon Society” reflect the huge financial empires based in some part on ducks.  
Our marsh is a tremendous resting place for these birds traveling back north for their breeding cycle. Mallards and Teal reproduce locally-- we get baby pictures not infrequently. I don’t see many of the Green-winged Teal sticking around to nest-- but they are one of my favorite ducks. There are large flocks of Green-wings in the Bottoms right now. They are fairly nervous and seem reluctant to give us a good look-- but they will settle down as more birds get here and the weather warms a bit. This image of a Green-winged Teal in the morning slanted light is a modest example of the opportunity photographers can expect when they visit the Bottoms and Quivira Refuge right now.  
We hunted ducks and geese fairly hard this year. The weather has been conducive, and birds have been present in adequate numbers. I have some friends who harvest a lot of geese and ducks. They took a lot of birds to the processing plant and had sausage made at their own expense to donate to the homeless shelters. I admire that a lot. Wild game has lots of advantages.
Michael Pierce who is the outdoor editor for the Wichita Eagle has a cookbook that has received accolades and attention with splendid recipes. He will be at KWEC on March 13, in the afternoon for a discussion of the culinary art in preparing and enjoying wild game. Don’t miss that event! He is a good friend, and stands tall in Kansas in the “outdoor arena.” He walks the walk and has made Kansas a better place with his diligence. He converts goose breast into roast beef-- come learn his magic.
The marsh is waking up-- the spring is a special time with all the shore birds and waterfowl. I am anxious for the night herons to arrive-- they are cranky and secretive-- and just gorgeous. There will be Rails here later-- David Seibel and Bob Gress have pictures of the Black Rail-- I haven’t scored that one yet. Lots to see and do-- get out and join us when you can!
Doc