I'm assuming the thought is if the nail is missing then it was done so to
mark it as captive bred.

I thought the normal way to mark such birds was to remove the entire, or
most, of one or both rear toes.

I wouldn't be too hasty to use short worn nails to eliminate this as a
wild bird.

I saw many of these birds in large flocks in Texas.  They were about as
tame as the suburban Canada geese we are accustomed to.

I would not vote either way on this bird, but it sure does look odd on
that pond.



> If in fact there is supposed to be a nail, then I  would conclude that
> this
> was a captive duck.  If not, well, then its still up in the air.
>
> My image .will be sent to those who want to take a look for  themselves.
>
> Bob Mumford
> Natural Images Photography
> Darnestown
> 301 948 6813
>
>


-- 

William Randolph
Keedysville, MD