Waterfowl identification

So since it's off season, there's a few thing I want to improve being a new waterfowl hunter (This was my first season.) I actually did a lot better for my first season than I thought.. Friend and I (who's also new to duck hunting) stayed down in Port O' Connor for 4 days and shot our redhead limits everyday we were there.. Considering all we saw were redheads, and we went out there trying to learn, it was awesome!! I also do okay back home in Galveston with a few redheads and a bluebill.

Anyway... How did you guys go about practicing learning how to identify a duck while it's in flight and in the air? If you put a picture of a duck in front of me, I can tell you what it is. But while they are up in the air, I couldn't even tell you if they are redheads or pintail (which should be easy to depict.)

Next season we plan to branch out a bit and even hunt early teal season, so I don't want to just be shooting and hoping it's what we were looking for.. Just wondering how y'all learned to depict duck from duck while it's flying, or even coming in on the decoys.

Thanks

They say this is a good book. Honestly though, time in the field is the best practice. You'll be able to tell how each species flies with enough hours watching. And keeping your back to the sun so they're lit up will also help.

Lots of time watching birds fly. They are still around so get out on the water and practice identifying and calling. Books and videos will help but experience is king in this instance.

While ideally you want to be able to identify all ducks. Start with the ones you commonly see and the ones that have limits below the total limit.

Down here it's mostly redheads.. some gadwall, some bluebills.. but theres a surplus of redheads (I hunt the coast.)

I was thinking about going out and throwing decoys and just practice bringing them in and ID

Just by watching birds.

You will pick up on the different ways they fly and the sounds they make.

There are still a few that are very difficult.

I don't think anyone can tell the difference between ringer and redhead hens in flight.

Wigeon give themselves away with their whistle

Pins have a distinct silhouette and around here they are in your spread or circle 20 times and fly away.

Teal are easy because they come in hot and are smaller than everything else.

You'll just pick up on the different characteristics they display with experience.