Fresh water plants - Food source

[Mahimahi!]

Were can I find out about the different types of plants that ducks like to eat and what the plants look like? Is there a book out there? I went on my first scouting trip ever for duck hunting this past weekend in Orange Lake, I saw alot of coots but not much else. The problem I ran into I could not figure out what the ducks would be looking for. I want to thank anyone for any advice that they may have in advance.

[duckmanJR]

Duke... where did you get the info for those posters you made??

PS... I have them.:)

[Kevin Hall]

There are two online sites that I use ...

http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/
http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/welcome.html

;)

[Mahimahi!]

That web site seems to have alot of plants to view. What are the ones that the ducks are looking for most? Should hydrila be all the way on top or will they eat it if it is 6-12 inches under water?
thanks for any help.

[Kevin Hall]

Let's see ... there's a bunch. ;)

Freshwater - hydrilla, banana lillies, pondweeds, duckweeds, spartina, three-square, eel grass, duck potato, rushes, sedges, wild millet ...

Salt/Brackish water - widgeon grass, charra (muskgrass - a type of brown algae) ...

OK guys, What else? ;)

[oldfatslow]

Smartweed (knotweed), duck potato, coontail, cow lily (spatterdock) in fresh water

[D Duck]

saw alot of coots but not much else. The problem I ran into I could not figure out what the ducks would be looking for. One thing to remember, coots like to eat! They'll be where the food is and the ducks know this too.;)

[uncle D]

The link that Kevin posted is where I got some info. Also, SJRWMD has a publication for their submerged aquatic data volunteers.

Duke