As a total newbie, I would like to know if you should mix, or match, bird species in decoy set-ups to add realism. If so, what species would be most apt to rest and feed together?

Do it all the time. Would not feel right not having a few woodies, pintails, shovelers, gadwall, and later in the season a few goldeneye threwn in for good measures. We even throw in a pair or 2 of honkers off to the side once in awhile for S&G's.

Thanks SecondChance. Didn't know if I would spook birds, or not, by mixing decoys.

Hard to see but there is some Goldeneyes close, farther out is Red heads - to see the whole spread there are blue bills put a bit farhter out and some buffleheads put below the goldeneyes. Then a few puddle ducks are added - you can see one on the down wind end. And geese too!

Hope that helps - dog is fater a cripple that just dived!

JW