Black Duck in Decline in Mid-Atlantic Region

According to The Washington Times the black duck is in decline and scientists do not know why. The article states that the black duck is favored by hunters yet there are questions as to why the black duck is nowhere to be seen in hunting country. Scientists speculate that it could be waterfront development ruining the wetlands and fading duck foodstuff. Of course white mute swans are considered to be in overabundance and even pose a threat to submerged vegetation.

According to the article, Ducks Unlimited has begun a $1 million research project to better understand the decline of the black duck. Man, the inner city could use some of that money. No black ducks there either. Virginia wants to put satellite-tracking devices on some black ducks to see where they go. (Hopefully away from the hunting areas).