Molt status matters - at least we think it does

It is surprising that most duck banders in August fail to record wing molt status. Not the Delta crew.

The photo shows the three options for wing molt: in progress (the left flightless duckling); not started (middle hen); and completed (the right mallard that has a new set of wing feathers). We strongly believe that the middle hen is behind the eight ball – she will start the wing molt late in August and be flightless well into September. She may struggle to get into condition to migrate. Hatching early, raising the kids in spring and early summer and getting on with the molt in July is probably a much better recipe for success.