Oldtimr---I hope this rookie is comprehending what you're telling him, but it is doubtful from the responses you are getting. Shooting a dang bird on the water that isn't already wounded is worse than having to kiss your ugly Mother-In-Law, LOL, and IMHO anyone who is doing it needs to rethink why he's out there hunting in the first place! I cut my teeth decoying mallards back in the 50s in Indiana with my Dad and if I even thought of shooting a bird on the water I'd have been walking the 30 miles back home! You are also spot on regarding your analysis of being able to kill a bird flying much easier than one on the water unless the latter is very close and you can shoot it in the head because all the vitals of a bird on the water, except for it's head, are covered by it's wings or are under the water line.