Ulij Hife4) WuuS DISTRIBUTION AND STATUS OF THE HARLEQUIN DUCK, Histrionicus histionicus ON THE GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST, MONTANA Barrel 1 Markum Montana Natural Heritage Program 1515 East Sixth Avenue Helena , Montana 59620 for the Gallatin National Forest Bozeman, Montana September 17, 1990 SUMMARY Harlequin duck surveys were conducted on 12 streams in the Gallatin National Forest and two streams in the Custer National Forest during the period May - August, 1990. Most stream sections were surveyed at least twice, once during the early part of the season and a second time later in the season. Survey sections were selected by size and gradient. Harlequin ducks were observed only on a short section of the Boulder River on three separate days. A total of 18 harlequins were seen but these probably represent only 15 individual ducks as some probably were seen more than once. The breakdown of observations is as follows; 19 May - one pair; 6 June - five adult males, one pair, and one adult female; 23 August - eight individuals of undetermined sex and age. Behavioral observations included swimming, loafing, preening, feeding, and mating. The number of harlequin observations was too small to make meaningful comparisons or predictions of habitat use patterns. The observations that were made compare favorably with results obtained SUMMARY Harlequin duck surveys were conducted on 12 streams in the Gallatin National Forest and two streams in the Custer National Forest during the period May - August, 1990. Most stream' sections were surveyed at least twice, once during the early part of the season and a second time later in the season. Survey sections were selected by size and gradient. Harlequin ducks were observed only on a short section of the Boulder River on three separate days. A total of 18 harlequins were seen but these probably represent only 15 individual ducks as some probably were seen more than once. The breakdown of observations is as follows : 19 May - one pair? 6 June - five adult males, one pair, and one adult female? 23 August - eight individuals of undetermined sex and age. Behavioral observations included swimming, loafing, preening, feeding, and mating. The number of harlequin observations was too small to make meaningful comparisons or predictions of habitat use patterns. The observations that were made compare favorably with results obtained from a study in Grand Teton National Park. In general, harlequins appear to prefer streams of low gradient (<3 degrees) with gently sloping banks (<45 degrees) which have a dense cover of perennial shrubs. Several streams in the study area appeared to offer suitable habitat that was not being used by harlequins. However, because of their size, color (especially hens and young) , and habitat preference it is difficult to spot harlequins in the field. Although the survey effort was very thorough it is possible that some harlequins may have been overlooked on some streams. If other populations do exist in this area they are likely to be small and transitory. Additional survey work in this area will be dependent on the needs of management agencies. Further study on harlequin duck biology and habitat needs would be more profitable in areas with higher harlequin duck densities. INTRODUCTION The harlequin duck ( Histrionicus histrionicus ) is a member of the tribe Mergini (sea ducks) and as such is taxonomically related to the eiders ( Somateria sp. and Polysticta stelleri ) , scoters (MeOanitta) , and oldsquaw (Clangula h yemalis ) (Johnsgard 1978) . However, because of their preference for isolated, swift- flowing mountain streams as breeding habitat, harlequin ducks appear to be more similar ecologically to the torrent duck ( Merganetta armata) of South America and the blue duck (H ymenolaimus malachorhvnchos ) of New Zealand (Bengston 1966) . The distribution of the harlequin duck is divided into distinct eastern and western populations (Figure 1) (Bellrose 198 0) . The relatively small eastern population extends across northeastern North America, Greenland, and Labrador, reaching its Uhighest density in Iceland (Bengston 1966) . The western population is found near the west coast of North America from northern California to Alaska, with the greatest numbers occurring in the Aleutian Islands; a small number also may be found along the coast of the Siberian peninsula (Bellrose 1980) . Throughout their range harlequin ducks tend to winter on rocky wave-pounded ocean coasts and breed on isolated swift- flowing mountain streams (Bengston 1966, Johnsgard 1978) . The majority of the western population winters on the Aleutian Island National Wildlife Refuge where up to one million harlequins may be found (Bellrose 1980) . Further south, Christmas bird counts have found only 500 birds along the coast of British Columbia and INSERT FIGURE 1 HERE only 25-50 birds along the coasts of Washington and Oregon; there also are scattered reports of harlequins wintering along the coast of northern California (Bellrose 1980) . Occasionally harlequins are sighted wintering inland in the Rocky Mountains but these reports are rare (see Wallen 1987) . The breeding range of the western population extends inland, following the Cascade and Sierra ranges south into northern California, and the Rocky Mountain range west and south, across northern Idaho and western Montana, into the northwestern corner of Wyoming (Bellrose 1980) . Considered rare in Idaho (Burleigh 1972) , recent surveys have found breeding harlequins in several drainages in the Idaho panhandle north of the Lochsa River (Wallen and Groves 1988, 1989) . In Montana, harlequins breed in small numbers along the Rocky Mountain chain from Glacier National Park (GNP) (Kuchel 1977) to Yellowstone National Park (YNP) (T. McEneaney, pers. obs.) and scattered points in between (D. Genter, pers. obs.)* Breeding harlequins also are known from Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) , Wyoming (Wallen 1987). Most detailed knowledge of harlequin duck breeding biology has come from studies in Iceland (Bengston 1966, 1972) . In North America, harlequin duck breeding chronology and breeding habitat have been described for Prince William Sound, Alaska (Dzinbal 1982), Glacier National Park (Kuchel 1977), and Grand Teton National Park (Wallen 1987) . Concerning breeding chronology, pair formation usually occurs on the wintering grounds (Bellrose 1980) . In GTNP, Wallen (1987) found that harlequin ducks began to arrive on the breeding grounds during the first week of May. Pairs commonly were observed on the streams until the onset of incubation in late June or the first week of July. At this time drakes and unpaired hens left for the coast while nesting hens remained secluded on the nest. Broods did not begin to appear on the streams until mid-July or early August. Hens and broods remained on the breeding streams until mid-September after which , they also departed for the coast. This chronology is consistent with the observations of Kuchel (1977) and Dzinbal (1982) . Wallen (1987) characterized harlequin duck breeding habitat in GTNP as low gradient (<3 degrees) mountain streams with' meandering channels , dense perennial shrubs on the banks, high water quality, and little or no human disturbance. He also found that harlequins appeared to prefer stream sections that had >3 midstream loafing sites per 10 m and avoided sections where both banks approached the stream at >45 degree angle (i.e. bedrock canyons) . In Iceland, harlequin ducks tended to nest in dense shrubs on river islands or in the cracks and crevices formed by large lava blocks along stream banks, again under dense shrubs (Bengston 1966, 1972) . No nest sites have been found during studies in North America but probable nesting habitat has been inferred from observations of recently hatched broods. Kuchel (1977) considered dense shrubs surrounding beaver ponds or abandoned meanders to provide harlequin nesting habitat in GNP. Similar habitat did not occur along breeding streams in GTNP so Wallen (1987) considered that dense shrubs along the lowest gradient (<1 degree) sections of streams where breeding pairs had been observed was the most likely nesting habitat in that area. OBJECTIVES Proper management of a wildlife species is dependent on knowledge of the distribution and abundance of that species , along with its habitat needs and behavioral characteristics. Therefore, the objectives of this survey effort were first , to document the distribution and abundance of harlequin ducks on the Gallatin National Forest, and second, to record the habitat characteristics of stream sections used by harlequin ducks and record observations of harlequin duck behavior. STUDY AREA AND METHODS Harlequin duck surveys were conducted on sections of 12 streams on the Gallatin National Forest and two streams on the Custer National Forest (Figure 2) . Streams were selected based on size (>10 m in width) and gradient (<3 degrees) , following the criteria used by Wallen and Groves (1988, 1989) in northern Idaho. Surveys were conducted from May to August with most stream sections surveyed at least once during May or June and again INSERT FIGURE 2 HERE during July or August (Table 1) . Because this survey was not formally initiated until the first week of June, little work was accomplished during May, which may be the best time for observing pairs (Wallen and Groves 1988, 1989? Cassirer 1989), No surveys were conducted during the first half of July because of the low probability of observing harlequins during this time. Except as noted below, surveys were conducted by walking upstream as close to the shore as possible and scanning both upstream and downstream with binoculars. portions of the gallatin River from Squaw Creek to Big Sky, where the river is easily observed from the road, were surveyed by bicycle, with frequent stops to scan with binoculars; the Gallatin River from Big Sky to Taylor Creek was surveyed by canoe. Portions of Taylor Creek, Mill Creek, and the Boulder River (19 May only) were checked by car, again with frequent stops to scan with binoculars. Informational posters about harlequin ducks were placed at Forest Service campgrounds in the survey area by personnel of Gallatin National Forest. Posters also were handed out to rafting/fishing outfitters on the Gallatin River. Stream lengths and/or gradients were determined from USGS topographical maps. general habitat conditions were described qualitatively for locations where harlequin ducks were observed and generally followed the characteristics used by wallen (1987). These characteristics include bank vegetation (coniferous forest, shrubland, meadow, open), bank slope (<>45 degrees), channel type (meandering, braided, straight, bedrock canyon) , stream Table 1. Harlequin duck survey routes and dates, Gallatin and Custer National Forests. May - August 1990. , w STREAM DATES START END ^ Beaver 21 8 JUN Aug T11S T11S R3E R3E S21 S21 Nl/2 Sl/2 T10S T10S R3E R3E S33 S33 Nl/2 Sl/2 " Boulder 19 6 16 7 13 23 May JUN Jul Aug Aug Aug T3S T4S T6S T6S T4S T5S T4S R12E R12E R12E R12E R12E R12E R12E S26 S15 S4 S4 S15 S35 S36 Wl/2 NEl/4 SEl/4 NEl/4 NEl/4 SWl/4 SWl/4 T6S T4S T6S T6S T4S T6S T6S R12E R12E R12E R12E R12E R12E R12E S21 S36 S21 S21 S36 S4 S21 SWl/4 SWl/4 SWl/4 SWl/4 SWl/4 NEl/4 Nl/2 - East Boulder 19 25 13 May Jul Aug T3S T4S T4S T3S R13E R13E R13E R13E S29 S2 S4 S29 Nl/2 Wl/2 NEl/4 Nl/2 T3S T4S T4S T4S R13E R13E R13E R13E S32 S14 S14 S4 SEl/4 Sl/2 Sl/2 NEl/4 " West Boulder 28 2 May Aug T3S T3S RUE RUE S25 S36 Nl/2 NW1/4 T4S T4S RUE RUE S16 S28 SEl/4 SWl/4 r Cabin 21 8 Jun Aug T11S T11S R3E R3E S15 S15 Sl/2 Sl/2 T11S T11S R3E R3E Sll Sll Sl/2 Sl/2 y ' Gallatin 23 27 30 1 21 May Jul Jul Aug Aug T4S T4S TBS T6S T9S R3E R4E R4E R4E R4E S29 S29 S33 S13 S2 SEl/4 SEl/4 SEl/4 NW1/4 SWl/4 T5S T5S T5S T6S T6S R4E R4E R4E R4E R4E SIS S33 S2B S32 S32 NW1/4 SEl/4 Sl/2 SEl/4 SEl/4 • Grayling 22 9 Jun Aug T12S T12S R5E R5E S10 S10 Wl/2 El/2 T12S T12S RBE RBE S9 S9 SWl/4 SWl/4 7 Hyalite 16 19 Jun Jun T3S T4S R6E R6E S32 S9 SWl/4 NW1/4 T4S T4S R6E R6E S9 S15 NW1/4 Wl/2 .^Madison 8 Aug T11S R3E S22 NEl/4 111$ R3E S22 SWl/4 ^ Mill 21 May 14 Aug T5S T5S R9E R9E S32 S32 SEl/4 SEl/4 T6S T6S R10E R10E S33 S19 Wl/2 SWl/4 - West Rosebud 14 Jun T6S R17E S33 NW1/4 T7S R16E S2 SWl/4 / Squaw 23 27 May Jul T5S T4S R4E R4E SI S33 NEl/4 SEl/4 TBS TBS RBE RBE S6 S6 Wl/2 Wl/2 8 12 JUN TBS R15E S21 NE1/4 T5S 13 JUN T5S R15E S32 SW1/4 T6S 29 Aug T5S R15E S32 SW1/4 T6S 30 Aug T6S R14E S24 SW1/4 T7S Table 1. (continued) STREAM DATES START END Stillwater 12 Jun TBS R15E S21 NE1/4 T5S R15E S32 SW1/4 R14E S35 SW1/4 R14E S24 SW1/4 R14E S10 SW1/4 --Taylor 9 Aug T9S R4E S2 SW1/4 T9S R4E S7 SE1/4 gradient, and availability of midstream loafing sites co, 1-3, >3/10 m) . Stream flow data for the Boulder River drainage was determined by measurements taken 5 september using the methods of robbins and crawford (1954). seasonal (1990) and historic (1981- 1990) stream flow data for the boulder and gallatin rivers was provided by the u.s. geological survey (helena, mt) . gauging stations are located on the boulder rlver at blg timber and the Gallatin River at Gallatin Gateway. The Big Timber station does not provide actual stream flow for the boulder rlver study area but should accurately reflect relative seasonal and yearly CHANGES THAT OCCUR AT THE STUDY SITE. THE GALLATIN GATEWAY station provide actual stream flow data for much of the gallatin River study area. RESULTS Sections of 14 streams were surveyed in Gallatin and Custer National Forests during May - August 1990 (Figure 2) . These streams represent all the potential harlequin duck breeding habitat in gallatin national forest, based on size and gradient requirements. a description of survey routes is given ii table 1. 9 a total of 18 harlecmjin ducks were observed on the boulder rlver over three separate days. these probably represent 15 individual ducks. Harlequins were not observed on any other stream. Some sightings mere reported in response to the posters but these were not relayed to the field investigator and have not been verified. Harlequin Duck Observations 19 May (6:00pm): One pair was observed on the Boulder River (T6S R12E S9) 0.4 miles (odometer reading) upstream from the Hilleary bridge (Figure 3) . The pair initially was seen from the road and appeared to be resting in the relatively calm water near the west shore , about 40 m downstream from a set of shallow riffles. As we approached for a closer view the pair quickly moved upstream with the female in the lead. Both ducks maintained a low profile with the head held low to the water. However, both needed the assistance of their wings to negotiate the riffles. Once beyond the riffles the pair relaxed but continued to move upstream. They disappeared from view after about five minutes of observation. Habitat ; Meandering channel with smooth moderate current below a small section of shallow riffles. Both banks sloped gradually into the water (<45 degrees) and were forested, with only a light shrub under story which grew to be moderately dense (i.e. screening the river from the road) later in the season. No loafing sites were available. Distance from the road varied from 5 to 30 m. 10 6 June (11:30am): Five adult males were observed on the Boulder River (T6S R12E S9) 0.5 miles (odometer reading) upstream from the Hilleary bridge (Figure 3) . This group of drakes was seen floating downstream with the main current, which was separated from a calm backwater area by a gravel bar. The main current was strong enough in this stretch to raise standing waves approximately 0.5 m high. The ducks appeared to be doing nothing more than traveling downstream. They quickly disappeared from view. Habitat : A straight reach in a generally meandering channel with a strong current stacked up in short standing waves. Both banks sloped gradually to the water. The west bank was forested with an understory of moderately dense shrubs; the east bank was an open gravel bar which separated the main channel from a backwater area. There were no loafing sites in this stretch. Distance to the road was 30-40 m. 6 June (11:30am): One pair was observed on the Boulder River (T6S R12E S9) 0.5 miles (odometer reading) upstream from the Hilleary Bridge (Figure 3) . The pair was first seen in a backwater area along the east bank and was observed for 20 minutes. During the first 10 minutes the pair casually swam around in small circles, feeding by dipping the bill into the water, the hen more often than the drake. During this period the drake would approach the hen and peck at the back of her neck. Over the last 3-4 minutes of this time period the frequency and intensity of these pecks quickly increased, culminating with mounting which lasted 4 seconds. The hen then escaped but was 11 rapidly pursued by the drake. Within a matter of a few seconds their behavior calmed and the pair swam out to the gravel bar. They spent the next 10 minutes walking about along the shore and poking among the rocks with their bills, occasionally stopping to preen for a few seconds. They were still involved in this behavior when I left to continue the survey. This pair was seen about two hours later {2% 00pm) resting on the same gravel bar. Habitat ; Backwater area formed by a log jam and separated from the main channel by a gravel bar (see description above) . The east bank sloped gently to the water and was forested, with an understory of dense shrubs. Because of the high water at this time of year, many of the bank shrubs were flooded, providing cover for the harlequins on the water. Midstream loafing sites consisted of a few partially submerged logs (1-3/10 m) and the large gravel bar. Distance from the road was 30-40 m. 6 June (4:00pm): A single adult hen was observed on the Boulder River (T6S R12E S3) about 400 m downstream from Fourmile Creek. The hen initially was sighted on a rock on the east bank of the river. She spent about 1 minute preening then entered the water and was observed feeding by diving for a couple minutes more before disappearing from view. Habitat : Meandering channel with a strong current broken into sections of Whitewater by large subsurface rocks. The hen used an eddy along the east bank which was formed by a large boulder which jutted out into the current. The east bank was cut out and approached the water very steeply. Adjacent to the water it was composed of large rocks and 12 driftwood and above It was primarily bare soil. The west bank sloped gently to the water and was forested , with a dense understory of shrubs which made viewing difficult. No midstream loafing sites were present because of the high water level but there were abundant loafing sites along the east bank. Distance from the road was >200 m but a well-worn trail followed the west bank and an undeveloped campground was located on the west bank about 100 m upstream. 23 August (2;00pm)s A group of 8 harlequins of undetermined age and sex was observed on the Boulder River (T6S R12E S12) about 500 m downstream from the Alpine Lodge (Figure 3) . A short time previous to this observation a small group of harlequins was seen flying upstream from a point 1-2 km downstream from where the group of 8 was observed. It is believed that these were two observations of the same group. This group was observed for about 15 minutes as they slowly worked their way downstream, feeding along the way by bill dipping, head dipping, tipping-up, and diving. The type of feeding behavior appeared to be related to water depth. Individuals of the group occasionally would walk out on shore and preen for a few seconds before returning to the group. Group members never were separated by more than a total of 15 m. The group traveled about 100 m downstream before disappearing from view. Habitat : Meandering stream channel with a relatively gentle current broken by a short stretch of shallow riffles. Both banks sloped gently to the water and were forested. Shrub cover was moderately dense on both banks. There were no 13 INSERT FIGURE 3 HERE 14 midstream loafing sites but short gravel bars did occur at intervals along both banks. Distance from the road was about 2 00 m but a well-worn trail followed the east bank. This trail was screened from the river by the moderately dense growth of shrubs. Boulder River Survey Area The Boulder River was surveyed from Falls Creek campground to Hicks Park campground. Total distance covered was 26.06 km and elevation ranged from 1585 m (5200 ft) to 1932 m (6340 ft) . This equated to a mean gradient of 1.3% or 0.6 degrees. The specific section of the river from which all harlequin duck observations came (Figure 3) ran from approximately 400 m downstream of Fourmile Creek to 300 m upstream of Clear Creek. The length of this section was 5.14 km and the elevation ranged from 1865 m (6120 ft) to 1914 m (6280 ft), for a mean gradient of 0.9% or 0.4 degrees. The channel meandered the entire length of the survey area with the exception of Hell's Canyon, which is a straight, narrow, bedrock canyon. This was the only section of the Boulder River survey in which both banks approached the water at >45 degrees angle. Flow volume, measured on 5 September, was 24.95 cms (81.86 cfs) which was the lowest flow during the survey period. Flow measurements were taken in the harlequin duck observation area (Figure 3) . Stream flow data recored at the USGS gauging station in Big Timber is included in Table 2. Similar data from the Gallatin River are presented for comparison. 15 Historic stream flow values over the past 10 years also are presented for both rivers (Table 3) . Water quality as determined by clarity remained high throughout the survey period although the water was slightly cloudy during the highest flows in May. Table 2. Monthly average, maximum, and minimum stream discharge (cfs) for the Boulder and Gallatin rivers, May-Sept 1990 (USGS , Helena, MT) . Boulder Gallatin mean 723 1498 May min 369 866 max 1960 2740 mean 2206 2904 June min 958 1980 max 4220 4800 mean 1227 1250 July min 327 730 max 3490 2500 mean 206 577 Aug min 119 471 max 316 714 mean 119 418 Sept min 75 378 max 194 484 Other Wildlife Observations Dippers ( Dolichonvx orvzivorus ) were common on all streams with the exception of Taylor Creek. Common mergansers (Mergus merganser ) were observed on the East Boulder, West Boulder, Stillwater, and Gallatin Rivers. No more than three common mergansers were seen on any one survey day with the exception of 21 August when a group o 25 and another group of 10 flightless 16 common mergansers were seen on the Gallatin River between Big Sky and Taylor Creek. Mallards ( Anas platvrhvnchos ) and teal ( Anas spp.) were seen in small numbers in quiet pools and backwater areas along the Boulder, West Boulder, and Stillwater rivers. Canada geese (Branta canadensis ) were observed along calm sections of the West Boulder and Stillwater rivers. Table 3. Average, minimum, and maximum stream discharge for the Boulder and Gallatin rivers for 1981-1990 (USGS, Helena, MT) . Boulder Gallatin year mean 3 max (mo) b min(mo) c mean 8 max (mo) b min(mo) c 1981 532 2722 (jun) 76(sep) 860 3211(jun) 466 (sep) 1982 626 2916(jun) 288 (sep) * * * 1983 543 2419 (jun) 221 (sep) * * * 1984 622 2628(jun) 212 (sep) * * * 1985 383 1441(jun) 172 (aug) 717 2048 (may) 506(sep) 1986 471 2692 (jun) 110 (aug) 884 3691(jun) 522 (sep) 1987 330 1152 (may) 111 (sep) 587 1565 (may) 426(sep) 1988 393 2020(jun) 28 (sep) 655 2191 (may) 364 (sep) 1989 455 2366(jun) 111 (sep) 672 2477 (jun) 401(sep) 1990 474 2206(jun) 119 (sep) 785 2904 (jun) 418 (sep) a- annual mean (all days) , b- highest monthly mean for period May - Sept. , c- lowest monthly mean for period May - Sept. , * - no data. DISCUSSION The number of harlequin duck observations was too small to make meaningful comparisons or predictions of habitat use patterns. However, the observations that were made compare favorably with the results obtained from a study in GTNP (Wailen 1987) . For example, no observations were made in locations where both stream banks approached the water at >45 degree angle or 17 where bank vegetation was open. The Boulder River also had a mean gradient <3 degrees, which Wallen (1987) considered a requirement of harlequin breeding habitat. However, all the streams surveyed during this study had a mean gradient in this range. Finally, the harlequin duck observation area (Figure 3) appeared to have suitable nesting habitat in terms of backwater areas and beaver ponds with dense perennial shrubs around the edges. However, these areas usually were within a few meters of a heavily used road. Public use along the river appeared to be moderate except in close proximity to the road and campgrounds. Wallen (1987) found that harlequin ducks, especially hens with broods, tended to avoid areas with much human activity. The only streams surveyed that did not appear to offer suitable harlequin duck habitat were Mill, Taylor , Cabin, and Hyalite creeks. Mill Creek paralleled the road for most of its length, which forced the creek into a narrow rocky channel with steep banks. The only area that appeared suitable in terms of channel and gradient had open banks with little vegetation. Taylor Creek was at the lower limit of size and the upper limit of gradient and had little or no vegetation along the banks. This was the only stream surveyed where dippers were not observed. Both Cabin and Hyalite creeks probably were too small and steep for harlequin ducks, having channels confined to narrow canyons. The West Boulder and Stillwater rivers were very similar in physiogamy with the exception of the Stillwater River's much greater size. Both had sections of calm open water flowing 18 through grass/sedge meadows interspersed with sections with narrow canyons and steep gradients. Suitable habitat did appear to occur but probably is limited in extent. The lower section of Beaver Creek appeared to provide all the features of suitable habitat but the upper half had wide gravel/rock banks which provided no cover along the stream. The Gallatin River and West Rosebud Creek appeared to offer suitable habitat throughout much of their length but both suffered from heavy human use, particularly fishermen. This may have discouraged harlequins from using these area. Squaw Creek also provided good habitat but may have been on the small side and also may have suffered some from high levels of human activity. The East Boulder River was the best candidate for harlequin duck observations of all streams surveyed. It had all the habitat features identified by Wallen (1987) and was the only stream surveyed that did not have a road or trail running along its length. Grayling Creek also appeared to meet all the qualifications except possibly that of size. CONCLUSION Because of their size, color (especially hens and young) , and habitat preference, harlequin ducks are difficult to spot In the wild. The possibility of overlooking individuals during surveys must be considered to be quite high. Although I believe 19 that the survey effort as presented in this report was very thorough , this report does not provide positive proof for the absence of harlequin ducks in the streams examined. However, if populations exist on streams beside the Boulder River they are likely to be very small and transitory. The Stillwater and Boulder drainages may be at the eastern edge of harlequin range in Montana. Because so little is known of the habitat requirements and limits of breeding harlequin ducks it is difficult to say with certainty that suitable habitat does exist in these areas in any great amount. Determining the habitat requirements of harlequin ducks continues to be the most pressing need for proper management of this species on its breeding grounds . Additional survey work in this area will be dependent on the informational needs of the management agencies. Increasing human activity along streams and the potential for water quality degradation from a variety of sources are probably the main impacts facing harlequin duck habitat in southwestern Montana. Additional study on the biology and habitat needs of harlequin ducks would be more fruitful in areas with higher harlequin densities. LITERATURE CITED Bellrose, F.C. 1980. Ducks, geese, and swans of North America. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA. 540pp. Bengston, S.A. 1966. Field studies of the harlequin duck in Iceland. Wildfowl Trust Ann. Rep. 17:79-94. 20 Bengston, S.A. 1972. Breeding ecology of harlequin ducks ( Histrionicus histrionicus ) in Iceland. Ornis Scand. 3:1-19. Burleigh, T.D.1972. Birds of Idaho. Caxton Printers, Ltd., Caldwell, ID. Cassirer, E.F. 1989. Distribution and status of harlequin ducks ( Histrionicus histrionicus ) on the Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho. Idaho Dep. Fish and Game, Boise. 18pp. Dzinbal, K.A. 1982. Ecology of harlequin ducks in Prince William Sound, Alaska, during summer. M.S. Thesis, Oregon St. Univ., Corvallis. 89pp. Johnsgard, P. A. 1978. Ducks, geese, and swans of the world. Univ. Nebraska Press, Lincoln. 404pp. Kuchel, C.R. 1977. Some aspects of the behavior and ecology of harlequin ducks breeding in Glacier National Park, Montana. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Montana, Missoula. 147pp. Robins, C.R. and R.W. Crawford. 1954. A short accurate method for estimating the volume of stream flow. J. Wildl. Mange. 18?366-369. Wallen, R.L. 1987. Habitat utilization of harlequin ducks in Grand teton National Park. M.S. Thesis, Montana St. Univ. , Bozeman. 67pp. Wallen, R.L. and C.R. Groves. 1988. Status and distribution of harlequin ducks ( Histrionicus histrionicus ) in northern Idaho. Idaho Dep. Fish and Game, Boise. 34pp. Wallen, R.L. and C.R. Groves. 1989. Distribution, breeding biology, and nesting habitat of harlequin ducks ( Histrionicus histrionicus ) in northern Idaho. Idaho Dep. Fish and Game, Boise. 39pp. 21 DISTRIBUTION AMD STATUS OF THE HARLEQUIN DUCK Oil THE GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST, MONTANA V I Wl- Montana 15a J ■ Hel ^ ^ •d by larkum spyy S\5 ^ September ] 7 f 1990 SUMMARY m r. The meaningful observatior from a stuc". appear to j sloping bar shrubs. Se _ suitable he- because of habitat pre ' Although tf some harleq populations- transitory . on the nee* duck bioloo. with highei rere conducted on 12 streams in the INTRODUCTION The harlequin, duck ( Histrio ni cus fa i s t r i o n i cu s ) Is a member of the tribe Mergini (sea ducks) and as such is taxonomically related to the eiders ( Soroateria sp, and Pcilvstjurtci stelleri ) , scoters ( Melanitta ) , and oldsquaw ( Clangula faye mails) (Johnsgard 1978). However, because of their preference for isolated, swift- flowing mountain streams as breeding habitat, harlequin, ducks appear to be more similar ecologically to the torrent duck ( Merganetta armata ) of South America, and the blue cluck ( Hymeno 1 a i to u s malacho rh ynchos ) of New Zealand (Bengston 1966) , The distribution of the harlequin duck is divided into distinct eastern and western populations (Figure 1 ) {Bellrose 1980). The relatively small eastern population extends across northeastern North America, Greenland, and Labrador,, reaching its Uhighest density in Iceland (Bengston 1966) , The western population is found near the west coast of North America from northern California to Alaska, with the greatest numbers occurring in the Aleutian Islands; a small number also may he found along the coast of the Siberian peninsula (Bellrose 1980) , Throughout their range harlequin clucks tend to winter on rocky wave -pounded ocean coasts and breed on isolated swift- flowing mountain streams (Bengston 1966, Johnsgard 1978), The majority of the western population winters on the Aleutian Island National Wildlife Refuge* where up to one million harlequins may be found (Bellrose 1980). Further south, Christmas bird counts have found only 500 birds along the coast of British Columbia and Fxgure 1. Harlequin duck distribution in North America. ( f nrom Belirose 1980). only 25-50 birds along the coasts of Washington and Oregon; there also are scattered reports of harlequins wintering along the coast of northern California (Bellrose 1980) . Occasionally harlequins are sighted wintering inland in the Rocky Mountains but these reports are rare (see Wallen 1987). The breeding range of the western population extends inland, following the Cascade and Sierra ranges south into northern California, and the Rocky Mountain range west and south, across northern Idaho and western Montana, into the northwestern corner of Wyoming (Bellrose 1980). Considered rare in Idaho (Burleigh 1972) , recent surveys have found breeding harlequins in several •drainages in the Idaho panhandle north of the Lochsa River (Wallen and Groves 1988, 1989). In Montana, harlequins breed in small numbers along the Rocky Mountain chain from Glacier national Park (GNP) (Kuchel 1977} to Yellowstone National Park (YNP) (T. McBneaney, pers. obs . ) and scattered points in between (D. Center, pers, obs,). Breeding harlequins also are known from Grand Teton, Motional Park (GTNP) , Wyoming {Waller 198?) . Most detailed knowledge of harlequin duck breeding biology has come from studies in Iceland (Bengston 1966, 1972), In North AiT>erica f harlequin duck breeding chronology and breeding habit set have been described for Prince William Sound, Alaska (Dzinbal 1982) , Glacier National Park (Kuchel 1977) , and Grand Teton National Park (Wallen 1987) , Concerning breeding chronology, pair formation usually occurs on the wintering grounds (Bellrose 1980). In GTNP, Mall en (1987) found that harlequin ducks began to arrive on the breeding grounds during the first week of May. Pairs commonly were observed on the streams until the onset of incubation in late •June or the first week of July. At this time drakes and unpaired hens left for the coast while nesting hens remained secluded on the nest. Broods did not begin to appear on the streams until mid-July or early August, Hens and broods remained on the breeding streams until mid-September after which, they also departed for the coast. This chronology is consistent with the observations of Kuchel (1977) and Dzlnbal {1982} . Wallen (1987) characterized! harlequin duck breeding habitat in GTNP as low gradient (<3 degrees) mountain streams with meandering channels, dense perennial shrubs on the banks, high water quality, and little or no hum an disturbance. He also f ou nd that harlequins appeared to prefer stream sections that had >3 midstream loafing sites per 10 m and avoided sections where both banks approached the stream at >45 degree angle (i.e. bedrock canyons) . In Iceland, harlequin ducks tended to nest In dense shrubs on river Islands or in the cracks and crevices formed by large lava blocks along stream hanks, again under dense shrubs (Bengston 1966, 1972), No nest sites have been found during studies in North America but probable nesting habitat has been Inferred from observations of recently hatched broods. Kuchel (1977) considered dense shrubs surrounding beaver ponds or abandoned meanders to provide harlequin nesting hail tat in GWP . Similar habitat did not occur along breeding streams in GTNP so Wallen (198?) considered that dense shrubs along the lowest- gradient (<1 degree) sections of streams where breeding pairs had been observed was the roost likely nesting habitat in that area, OBJECTIVES Proper management of a wildlife species is dependent on knowledge of the distribution and abundance of that species, along with its habitat needs and behavioral characteristics. Therefore, the objectives of this survey effort were first , to document the distribution and abundance of harlequin ducks on the Gallatin National Forest, and second, to record the habitat characteristics of stream sections used by harlequin ducks and record observations of harlequin duck behavior. STUDY AREA AND METHODS Harlequin duck surveys were conducted on sections of 12 streams on the Gallatin National Forest and two streams on the Custer Nat ion ad. Forest (Figures 2). Streams were selected based on size (>10 in in width) and* gradient (<3 degrees), following the criteria used by Wallen and Groves (1988, 1989) in northern Idaho . Surveys were conducted from May to August with roost stream sections surveyed at least once during May or June and again THREE D F0KK5 Bit ^i^A&E^ Figure 2. Harlequin duck survey areas (highlighted) on streams in Gallatin and Custer National Forests, Montana. May- Aug 1990. during July or August (Table 1). Because this survey was not formally initiated until the first week of June, little work was accomplished during May, which may be the best time for observing pairs (Wallen and Groves 1988, 1989: Cassirer 1989), No surveys were conducted during the first half of .July because of the low probability of observing harlequins during this time, Except as noted below, surveys "were conducted by walking upstream as close to the shore as possible and scanning both upstream and downstream with binoculars. Portions of the Gallatin River from Squaw Creek to Big Sky, where the river is easily observed from the road, were surveyed by bicycle, with frequent stops to scan with binoculars; the Gallatin River from Big Sky to Taylor Creek was surveyed by canoe. Portions of Taylor Creek, Mill Creek, and the Boulder River (19 May only) were checked by car, again with frequent stops to scan with binoculars. Informational posters about harlequin ducks were placed at Forest Service campgrounds in the survey area by personnel of Gallatin National Forest . Posters also were handed out to rafting/fishing outfitters on the Gallatin, River, Stream lengths and/ or gradients were determined from OSGS topographical maps. General habitat conditions were described qualitatively for locations where harlequin ducks were observed and: generally followed the characteristics used by Wallen {1987}. These characteristics include bank vegetation (coniferous forest, shrubland, meadow, open), bank slope (<>45 degrees), channel type (meandering, braided, straight, bedrock canyon), stream Table 1. Harlequin duck survey routes and dates, Gallatin and Custer National Forests. May - August 1990, STREAM Beaver Boulder DATES 21 Jun 8 Aug 19 May 6 Jun 16 Jul 7 Aug 1 3 Aug 23 Aug 19 May 25 Jul 13 Aug West Boulder 28 May 2 Aug East Boulder Cabin Gallatin Grayling Hyalite Madison Mill 21 Jun 8 Aug 23 May 27 Jul 30 Jul 1 Aug 21 Aug 22 Jun 9 Aug 16 Jun 19 Jun 21 May 1 4 Aug West Rosebud 14 Jun Squaw 23 May 27 Jul START T11S R3E S21 Ml/2 T11S R3E S21 Sl/2 T3S R12E S26 Ml/2 T4S R12E SI 5 NE1/4 T6S R12E S4 SE1/4 T6S R12E S4 NE1/4 T4S R12E S15 NE1/4 T5S R12E S35 SWi/4 T4S R12E S36 SWI/4 T3S R13E S29 Ml/2 T4S R13E S2 Wl/2 T4S R13E 54 NE1/4 T3S R13E S29 Ml/2 T3S RUE S25 Ml/ 2 T3S RUE S3 6 NW1/4 T11S R3E T11S R3E S15 Sl/2 S15 Sl/2 T4S R3E S29 SE1/4 T4S R4E S29 SE1/4 TBS R4E S33 SE1/4 T6S R4E S13 NW1/4 T9S R4E S2 SWI/4 T12S R5E T12S R5E S10 Wl/2 S10 El/ 2 T3S R6E S3 2 SWI/4 T4S RSE S9 NW1/4 8 Aug Til 5 R3E S22 MSI/ 4 TBS R9E S32 SE1/4 T5S R9E S32 SE1/4 T6S R17E S33 NW1/4 TBS R4E SI NE1/4 T4S R4E S3 3 SE1/4 END T10S R3E T10S R3E S33 Nl/2 S33 Sl/2 T6S R12E S21 SWI/4 T4S R12E S36 SWI/4 T6S R12E S21 SWl/i T6S R12E S21 SWI/4 T4S R12E S36 SWI/4 T6S R12E S4 NE1/4 T6S R12E S21 Nl/2 T3S R13E S32 SE1/4 T4S R13E SI 4 Sl/2 T4S R13E S3 4 Sl/2 T4S R13E S4 NE1 /4 T4S RUE Si 6 SE1/4 T4S RUE S28 SWI/4 TllS R3E T11S RSE 511 Sl/2 Sli Sl/2 TBS R4E SI 5 NW1/4 T5S R4E S33 SE1/4 TBS R4E S25 Sl/2 T6S R4E S32 SE1/4 T6S R4E S3 2 SE1/4 T12S R5E 5 9 SWI/4 T12S R5E S9 SWI/4 T4S R6E S9 NW1/4 T4S R6E S15 Wl/2 TllS R3E S2 2 SWI/4 T6S R10E S33 Wl/2 T6S R10E S19 SWI/4 T7S R16E S2 SWI/4 TBS RSE So Wl/2 T5S RSE S6 Wl/2 DATES START 12 Jun TBS RISE S21 Nil/ 4 T5S 1 3 Jun T5S R15E S32 SW1/4 T6S 29 Aug TBS R15E S32 SW1/4 T6S 30 Aug T6S R14E S24 SW1/4 T7S Table 1, {continued) STREAM DATES START END Stillwater 12 Jun TBS R15E S21 NE1/4 T5S R15E S32 SW1/4 R14E S3 5 SW1/4 R14E S24 SW1/4 R14E S10 SW1/4 Taylor 9 Aug T9S R4E 52 SW1/4 T9S R4E 57 SE1/4 gradient, and availability of midstream loafing sites (0, 1-3, >3/10 iti) . Stream flow data for the Boulder River drainage was determined by measurements taken 5 September using the methods of Robbins and Crawford (1954) . Seasonal (1990) and historic (1981- 1990) stream flow data for the Boulder and Gallatin rivers was provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (Helena, MT) . Gauging stations are located on the Boulder River at Big Timber and the Gallatin River at Gait latin Gateway. The Big Timber station does not provide actual stream flow for the Boulder River study area but should accurately reflect relative seasonal and yearly changes that occur ad: the study site. The Gallatin Gateway station provide actual stream flow data for much of the Gallatin River study area. RESULTS Sections of 14 streams were surveyed in. Gallatin and Custer National forests during May - August 1390 (Figure 2). These streams represent all the potential harlequin duck breeding habitat in Gallatin National Forest, based on size and gradient requirements. A description of survey routes is given in Table 1. 9 A total of 18 harlequin ducks were observed on the Boulder River over three separate days. These probably represent 15 individual ducks. Harlequins were not observed on any other stream. Some sightings were reported in. response to the posters but these were not relayed to the field investigator and have not been verified. Harlequin Duck Observations 19 May (6:00pm): One pair was observed on the Boulder liver (T6S R12E 59) 0.4 miles (odometer reading) upstream from the Hillaary bridge (Figure 3) , The pair initially was seen from the road and appeared to be resting in the relatively calm water near the west shore, about 40 m downstream from a set of shallow riffles. As we approached for a closer view the pair quickly moved upstream with the female in the lead. Both ducks maintained a low profile with the head held low to the water. However, both needed the assistance of their wings to negotiate the riffles. Once beyond the riffles the pair relaxed but continued to move upstream. They disappeared from view after about five minutes of observation. Habitat : Meandering channel with smooth moderate current below a small section of shallow riffles. Both banks sloped gradually into the water (<45 degrees) arid were forested, with only a light shrub understory which grew to he moderately dense (i.e. screening the river from the road) later in the season. No loafing sites were available. Distance from the road varied from 5 to 30 wo 10 6 June (11:30am): Five adult males were observed on the Boulder River (T6S R12E S9) 0.5 miles {odometer reading) upstream from the Hilleary bridge (Figure 3). This group of drakes was seen floating downstream with the main current, which, wets separated from a calm backwater area by a gravel bar. The main current was strong enough in this stretch to raise standing waves approximately 0,5 in high, The ducks appeared to be doing nothing more than traveling downstream. They quickly disappeared from view. Habitat ; A straight reach in a gen.era.lly meandering channel with a strong current stacked up in short standing waves. Both banks sloped gradually to the water. The west bank was forested with an understory of moderately dense shrubs; the east bank was an open gravel bar which separated, the main channel from a backwater area. There were no loafing sites in this stretch. Distance to the road was 30-40 m. 6 June (11 :30am); One pair was observed on the Boulder River (T6S R12E 59} 0.5 miles (odometer reading) upstream, from the Hilleary Bridge (Figure 3) , The pair was first, seen in a backwater area along the east hank and was observed for 20 minutes. During the first 10 minutes the pair casually swam around in small circles, feeding by dipping the bill into the water, the hen more often than the drake. During this period the drake would approach the hen and. peck at the back of her neck. Over the last 3-4 minutes of this time period the frequency and intensity of these pecks quickly increased, culminating with mounting which lasted 4 seconds. The hen then escaped but was 11 rapidly pursued by the drake. Within a matter of a few seconds their behavior calmed and the pair swam out to the gravel bar , They spent the next 10 minutes walking about along the shore and poking among the rocks with their bills, occasionally stopping to preen for a few seconds. They were still involved in this behavior when 1 left to continue the survey. This pair was seen about two hours later (2; 00pm) resting on the same gravel bar. 1 Backwater area formed by a log jam and separated from the main channel by a gravel bax (see description above), The east bank sloped gently to the water and was forested, with an understory of dense shrubs. Because of the high water at this time of year, many of the bank shrubs were flooded, providing cover for the harlequins on the water. Midstream loafing sites consisted of a few partially submerged logs (1-3/10 m) and the large gravel bar. Distance from the road was 30-40 m, 6 June (4:00pm) ; A single adult hen was observed on the Boulder River (T6S R12E S3) about 400 in downstream from Fourmile Creek. The hen. initially was sighted on a rock on the east bank of the river- She spent about 1 minute preening then entered the water and was observed feeding by diving for a couple minutes more before disappearing from view, Habjjrat ; Meandering channel with a strong current broken into sections of Whitewater by large subsurface rooks. The hen used an eddy along the east bank which was formed by a large boulder which jutted out into the current, The east bank was cut out and. approached the water very steeply. Adjacent to the water it was composed of large rocks and 12 driftwood and above it was primarily bare soil. The west bank sloped gently to the water and was forested, with a dense understory of shrubs which made viewing difficult. No midstream loafing sites were present because of the high water level but there were abundant loafing sites along the east bank. Distance from the road was >200 m but a well-worn trail followed the west hank and an undeveloped campground was located on the west bank about 100 in upstream. 23 August (2:00pm): A group of 8 harlequins of undetermined age and! sex was observed on, the Boulder River (T6S R12E S1.2) about 500 m downstream from the Alpine Lodge (Figure 3). A short time previous to this observation a small group of harlequins was seen flying upstream from a point 1-2 km downstream from where the group of 8 was observed. It is believed that these were two observations of the same group. This group was observed for about 15 minutes as they slowly worked their way downstream, feeding along the way by bill clipping, head dipping, tipping-up, and diving. The type of feeding behavior appeared to be related to water depth. Individuals of the group occasionally would walk out on shore and preen for a few seconds before returning to the group. Group members never were separated by more than a total of 15 m. The group traveled about 100 m downstream before disappearing from view. Habit at : Meandering stream channel with a relatively gentle current broken by a short stretch of shallow riffles. Both banks sloped gently to the water and were; forested. Shrub cover was moderately dense on both banks. There were no 13 to c .*:'!.•<€ ^\.-t\' \- it,?-? V- v.f r ,\. — *r,^- : r c. < Hrftfe^fe: v -.'-». Figure 3. Harlequin duck observation locations on the Boulder River, Gallatin National Forest, Montana. May-Aug 1990. oc 1 A midstream loafing sites but short gravel bars did occur at intervals along both banks. Distance from the road was about 200 m but a well-worn trail followed the east bank. This trail was screened from the river by the moderately dense growth of shrubs. Boulder River Survey Area The Boulder River was surveyed from Falls Creek campground to Hicks Park campground. Total distance covered was 26,06 km and elevation ranged from 1585 m (5200 ft) to 1932 m (6340 ft). This equated to a mean gradient of 1.3% or 0.6 degrees. The specific section of the river from which all harlequin duck observations came (Figure 3) rein from approximately 400 m downstream of Fourmile Creek to 300 m upstream of Clear Creek. The length of this section was 5.14 km and the elevation ranged from 1865 m (6120 ft) to 1914 m (6280 ft), for a mean gradient of 0.9% or 0.4 degrees. The channel meandered the entire length of the survey area with the exception of Hell's Canyon, which is a straight, narrow, bedrock canyon. This was the only section of the Boulder River survey in which both banks approached the water at >45 degrees angle. Flow volume, measured on 5 September, was 24.9 5 cms (81.86 cfs) which was the lowest flow during the survey period. Flow measurements were taken in the harlequin duck observation area (Figure 3} . Stream flow data re cored at the 1ISGS gauging station in Big Timber is included in Table 2. Similar data from the Gallatin River are presented for comparison. 15 Historic stream flow values over the past 10 years also are presented for both rivers (Table 3), Water quality as determined by clarity remained high throughout the survey period although the water was slightly cloudy during the highest flows in May, Table 2. Monthly average, maximum, and minimum stream discharge (cfs) for the Boulder and Gallatin rivers, May-Sept 1990 (USGS , Helena, MT) . Boulder mean, 723 149 8 May iriin 369 max 1960 I '--' mean 2 206 r. '- June min 958 ! I : max 4220 ,. ' ' mean 1227 •July mill 327 max 3490 ; mean 206 577 Aug ruin 119 471 max 316 714 mean 119 418 Sept lain 7 5 37 8 max 194 484 Other Wildlife Observations Dippers ( Dolichonyx oryziv o rus ) were common on all streams with the exception of Taylor Creek. Common mergansers ( Mergus loeorcjaunosococ} were observed on the East Boulder, West Boulder, Stillwater, and Gallatin Rivers. No more than three common mergansers were seen on any one survey day with the exception of 21 August when a group o 25 and another group of 10 flightless 16 common mergansers were seen on the Gallatin. River between Big Sky and Taylor Creek, Mallards (Anas p 1 a t y r h y n c h o s ) and teal ( Anas spp.) were seen in small numbers in. quiet pools and backwater areas along the Boulder, West Boulder, and Stillwater rivers. Canada geese ""___ nta canadensis ) were observed along calm sections of trie west Boulder and Stillwater rivers. Table 3. Average, minimum, and maximum stream discharge for the Boulder and Gallatin rivers for 1981-1990 (USGS, Helena, MT) . Boulder Gallatin % ^_ _ i year mean 3 max (mo) ° min(mo) mean 3 max(mo) u min mo) c * * * * * * 2722 (jun) " . 860 3211 (jun) 466 (sep) 2916 (jun) : " * 2419 (jun) •' * 2628 (jun) "' ' ^ * 14411 jun) """ - ay) 2692 (jun) - un) 1152 (may) ay) 2020 (jun) ~ ; -_■ .ay) 2366 (jun) " - _. un) ""OS (jun) " ' - . un) (all da; .est mon an fc May - Sept., c- xuwest mon niiy meciii lor periou imj ~ Sept., * - no data . DISCUSSION The number of harlequin cluck observations was too small to make meaningful comparisons or predictions of habitat use patterns. However, the observations that were made compare favorably with the results obtained from a study in GTNP (Wallen 1987), For example, no observations were made in locations where both stream banks approached the water at >45 degree angle or 1.7 where bank vegetation was open. The Boulder River also had a mean gradient <3 degrees, which Waller. (1987) considered a requirement of harlequin breeding habitat. However, all the streams surveyed during this study had a mean gradient in this range. Finally, the harlequin duck observation area (Figure 3) appeared to have suitable nesting habitat in terms of backwater areas and beaver ponds with dense perennial shrubs around the edges,, However, these areas usually were within a few meters of a heavily used road. Public use along the river appeared to be moderate except in, close proximity to the road and campgrounds. Wallen (1987) found that harlequin ducks, especially hens with broods, tended to avoid areas with ranch human activity. The only streams surveyed, that did not appear to offer suitable harlequin duck habitat were Mill, Taylor, Cabin, and. Hyalite creeks. Mill Creek paralleled the road, for most of its length, which forced the creek into a narrow rooky channel with steep banks. The only area that appeared suitable in. terms of channel and gradient had open, banks with little vegetation. Taylor Creek was at the lower limit of size and the upper limit of gradient and had little or no vegetation, along the banks. This was the only stream surveyed where dippers were not observed. Both Cabin and Hyalite creeks probably were too small and steep for harlequin ducks, having channels confined to narrow canyons. The West Boulder and Stillwater rivers were very similar in physio-gamy with, the exception, of the Stillwater River's much greater size. Both had sections of calm open, water flowing 18 through grass/sedge meadows interspersed with sections with narrow canyons and steep gradients. Suitable" habitat did appear to occur but probably is limited in extent,. The lower section of Beaver Creek appeared to provide all the features of suitable habitat but the upper half had, wide gravel/rock banks which provided no cover along the stream. The Gallatin River and West Rosebud Creek appeared to offer suitable habitat throughout much of their length but both suffered from heavy human use, particularly fishermen. This may have discouraged harlequins from using these area. Squaw Creek also provided good habitat but may have been on the small side and also may have suffered some frora high levels of human activity , The East Boulder River was the best candidate for harlequin duck observations of all streams surveyed. It had all the habitat features identified by Waller (1987) and was the only stream surveyed that did not have a road or trail running -along its length. Grayling Creek also appeared to meet all the qualifications except possibly that of size. CONCLUSION Because of their size, color (especially hens and young) , and habitat preference, harlequin ducks are difficult to spot in the wild. The possibility of overlooking individuals during surveys must be considered to be quite high. Although T believe 19 that the survey effort as presented in, this report was very thorough, this report does not provide positive proof for the absence of harlequin ducks in the streams examined!. However, if populations exist on streams beside the Boulder River they are likely to be very small and transitory. The Stillwater and Boulder drainages may he at the; eastern edge of harlequin range in Montana. Because so little is known of the habitat requirements and limits of breeding harlequin ducks it is difficult to say with certainty that suitable: habitat does exist in these areas in any great amount, Determining the habitat requirements of harlequin ducks continues to be the most pressing need, for proper management of this species on its breeding grounds , Additional survey work in this area will be dependent on the informational needs of the management agencies. Increasing human activity along streams and the potential for water quality degradation from a variety of sources are probably the main impacts facing harlequin duck habitat in southwestern Montana .. Additional study on the biology and habitat needs of harlequin ducks would be more fruitful in areas with higher harlequin densiti.es . LITERATURE CITED Bellrose, F.C. 1980. Pucks, geese, and swans of Worth America. Stackpole Books. Harrisburg, PA. 540pp. Bengston, S.A. 1966, Field etudi.es of the harlequin deck h Iceland, Wildfowl Trust Ann. Rep, 17:79-94. 20 Bengston, S.A. 1972. Breeding ecology of harlequin ducks Clilst rionicus histrionicu s) In Iceland, Ornis Scand. 3:1-19. Burleigh, T.D.1972. Birds of Idaho, Caxton Printers, Ltd., Caldwell, ID. Cassirer, E.F. 1989. Distribution and status of harlequin ducks ( Hi s t r ioni cus histrionic us ) on the Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho. Idaho Dep. Fish and Game, Boise. 18pp. Dzmbal, K.A. " " .gy of harlequin, ducks in. Prince William Sound, A'- ~~ -- ' " .g summer. M.S. Thesis, Oregon St. Univ., Corvalli Johnsgard, P. A. 1978. Ducks, geese, and swans of the world. Univ. Nebraska. Press, Lincoln. 404pp. Kuchel, C.R. 1977. Some aspects of the behavior and ecology of harlequin ducks breeding in Glacier National Park, Montana. M.S. Thesis, Univ. Montana, Missoula. 147pp. Robins, C.R. and R.W. Crawford. 1954. A short accurate method for estimating the volume of stream flow. J. Wildl . Mange. 18:366-369. Wallen, R.L. 1987. Habitat utilization of harlequin ducks in Grand teton National Park. M.S. Thesis, Montana St. Univ., Bozeman. 67pp. Wallen, R . I- =>~x o.r. Groves. 1988. Status and distribution of harlec Iks ( Histrionicus hist ri onicus ) in northern. Idaho. Dep. Fish and Game, Boise. 34pp. Wallen, R.L. and C.R. Groves. 1989. Distribution, breeding biology, and nesting habitat of harlequin ducks { Histrionicus histrionicus ) in northern Idaho. Idaho Dep, Fish and Game, Boise. 39pp. 21 K. \0 :\J> \y]AC\ M Table 1. Harlequin duck survey routes and dates, Gallatin and Cust National Forests. May - August 1990. / STREAM DATES START % Beaver 21 Jun TllS R3E S21 Nl/2 8 Aug TllS R3E S21 Sl/2 Boulder 19 May T3S R12E S26 Wl/2 6 Jun T4S R12E S15 NE1/4 T6S R12E S4 SEl/4 16 Jul T6S R12E S4 NE1/4 7 Aug T4S R12E S15 NE1/4 13 Aug T5S R12E S35 SW1/4 23 Aug T4S ts. X *u Hj S36 SW1/4 East Boulder 19 May T3S R13E S29 Nl/2 T4S R13E S2 Wl/2 25 Jul T4S R13E S4 NE1/4 13 Aug 1 JO R13E S29 Nl/2 West Boulder 28 May T3S RUE S25 Nl/2 2 Aug T3S RUE S36 NW1/4 Cabin 21 Jun TllS R3E S15 Sl/2 8 Aug TllS R3E S15 Sl/2 Gallatin 23 May T4S R3E I 329 SEl/4 27 Jul T4S R4E : 329 SEl/4 30 Jul TBS R4E { 333 SEl/4 1 Aug T6S R4E i 313 NW1/4 21 Aug T9S R4E S2 SW1/4 Grayling 22 Jun T12S R5E S10 Wl/2 9 Aug T12S R5E SIC ) El/2 Hyalite 16 Jun T3S R6E S32 r SWl/4 19 Jun T4S R6E S9 tNWl/4 Madison 8 Aug TllS 5 R3E S 2 *: J NE1/4 Mill 21 May R9E S32 SEl/4 14 Aug T5S R9E S32 .SEl/4 1 NW1/4 West Rosebud 14 Jun T6S R17E O ,5 ^ Squaw 23 May T5S R4E SI fcl/4 27 Jul T4S R4E S33 lSEl/4 END T10S R3E S33 T10S R3E S33 T6S R12E S21 T4S R12E S36 T6S R12E S21 T6S R12E S21 T4S R12E S36 T6S R12E S4 T6S R12E S21 Nl/2 Sl/2 SW1/4 SW1/4 SW1/4 SW1/4 SW1/4 NE1/4 Nl/2 T3S R13E S32 SEl/4 T4S R13E S14 Sl/2 T4S R13E S14 Sl/2 T4S R13E S4 NE1/4 T4S RUE S16 SEl/4 T4S RUE S28 SW1/4 TllS R3E Sll Sl/2 TllS R3E Sll Sl/2 T5S R4E S15 NW1/4 T5S R4E S33 SEl/4 T5S R4E S25 Sl/2 T6S R4E S32 SEl/4 T6S R4E S32 SEl/4 T12S R5E S9 SW1/4 T12S R5E S9 SW1/4 T4S R6E S9 NW1/4 T4S R6E S15 Wl/2 TllS R3E S22 SW1/4 T6S R10E S33 Wl/2 T6S R10E S19 SW1/4 T7S R16E S2 SW1/4 T5S R5E S6 Wl/2 T5S R5E S6 Wl/2 17 STREAM Stillwater Taylor DATES START 12 Jun T5S R15E S21 NE1/4 13 Jun T5S R15E S32 SW1/4 29 Aug T5S R15E S32 SW1/4 30 Aug T6S R14E S24 SW1/4 9 Aug T9S R4E S2 SW1/4 END TBS R15E S32 SW1/4 T6S R14E S35 SW1/4 T6S R14E S24 SW1/4 T7S R14E S10 SW1/4 T9S R4E S7 SE1/4 18 ■is / ;i =UJ" ///= _-^' ^wpvv // r^s rf :r7J^r --J41 ""Ik.. «*& £ V ' ./ / " . /< './"/ /IS / / <*L" / < .^ b^ J =t= ,'# 1 1$ ~£fci4t> m J / ' .,' JH;vll' it/ >,, v 'p'r+^fl / ; M 5/ # /a) » / '-'A? 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LL '"'-€• b-V-ro/ Behavioral notes General notes for next site visit Photos Y N_J_ Specimen; Y N K Associated animal ^iecies_ Estimated total acres of potential habitat in area: Land o wne r U-FS - Threats to EO Bite condition Observer Cs)* Address* {* a required field) flONTANA NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM ANIHAL SURVEY FORM Location* 3&y = a?r RW-^- Quad Name/Code Species/Element* Area/Distance surveyed* £_ Weather, Tem p n+^n Water flow Cover type_ Habitat description*. r •.-.-, ■?■,-, Observations Cnumbers, sex, age? etc.)* Behavioral notes M. Dat e C :^-r?. ■*V TRET U *>&£. S^5 Time spent ~_2^_L___i. 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