I am second guessing my identification of an American Black Duck that I made Saturday (lifer) and would like some second opinions from more experienced birders. First off, I just observe, so I do not have any of it so I am drawing details from the best of my memory. In the field I thought it was an American Black Duck, but upon more research I am thinking it could have been a Mallard in eclipse plumage. I know for certain that the bill appeared yellow and they (3) were certainly dabblers. I was near Park Point, Duluth when I saw them. My main concern here is that I do not know when Mallards typically molt in to their eclipse plumage; the readings I have read had varied results such as the beginning and end of summer. Furthermore I do not know if they all typically do it at once or if it varies for each individual; I saw some (10+) male Mallards in their normal plumage throughout the day.
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