Lv
Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Conservation Assessment and Strategy for the
U.S. Rocky Mountains
E. Frances Cassirer
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program
1540 Warner Ave
Lewiston, ID 83501
James D. Reichel
Montana Natural Heritage Program
1515 East Sixth Avenue
Helena, MT 59620
Richard L. Wallen
Office of Science and Resource Management
Grand Teton National Park
Moose, WY 83012-0170
Eric C. Atkinson
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association
RR 2, Box 191
Kempton, PA 19529
July 1996
ca\ * •• s
598.41
N11HDCA
1996
1
8
^M^Ll
Montana State Library
3 0864 1004 7134 4
ox aintti
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) are sea ducks that migrate to mountain streams to
breed. The species is classified as a U. S. Forest Service sensitive species in the Northern, Rocky
Mountain, and Pacific Northwest Regions, a state sensitive species in Oregon, a priority habitat species
in Washington, and a species of special concern in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Harlequin ducks
are also classified as migratory waterfowl covered under general waterfowl or sea duck regulations
throughout their range.
This Conservation Assessment and Strategy addresses the status and conservation of harlequin
ducks in the Rocky Mountains of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. The Conservation Assessment
summarizes available information on the ecology and population status of the harlequin duck in Idaho,
Montana, and Wyoming, and identifies potential threats to the species' viability in this region. The
Conservation Strategy identifies management actions and information needed in order to maintain
viable populations and protect and maintain critical habitats to ensure that listing is not warranted, in
accordance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended.
The Conservation Assessment is based on inventory, monitoring, and research data collected in
the U.S. Rocky Mountains since 1974. Approximately 300 pairs of harlequin ducks are estimated to
breed in 57 breeding or probable breeding occurrences in the U.S. Rocky Mountains. A breeding
occurrence is considered a single "breeding area", but may contain portions of several streams not
separated by more than 10 km of unsuitable habitat, or 20 km of unoccupied, suitable habitat. Data
gathered from marked individuals indicates a high degeree of fidelity to these breeding occurrences.
The harlequin duck breeding occurrences identified in the U.S. Rocky Mountains are comprised of
reaches on 128 streams. Over 90% of the harlequin duck breeding occurrences in the U.S. Rocky
Mountains occur on federal lands, primarily managed by the U.S. Forest Service and National Park
Service. However, approximately 25% of these do cross some privately-owned land. The remaining
7% (4 breeding occurrences) are located predominantly on state and privately-owned land.
Not all Rocky Mountain breeding occurrences have been located. Potential breeding habitat is
identified as 2nd-order or larger streams containing reaches with average gradient of 1 % - 7 % , riffle
habitat, clear water, gravel to boulder-sized substrate, and forested bank vegetation. Additional
characteristics that may increase likelihood of use by harlequin ducks include: proximity to occupied
habitat, overhanging bank vegetation, woody debris, loafing sites, absence of human activity, and
inaccessibility.
Potential threats to harlequin ducks in the U.S. Rocky Mountains include activities that affect
riparian habitats, water yield, water quality, and increase disturbance during the breeding season.
Habitat conditions in migratory and coastal areas are also critical to conservation of harlequin ducks.
Harlequin ducks breeding in the Rocky Mountains have been located off the coasts of Oregon,
Washington, and British Columbia. Harvest in coastal areas, while apparently low, could also
potentially affect harlequin ducks in the Rocky Mountains.
The Conservation Strategy emphasizes an adaptive approach for maintaining riparian and
instream harlequin duck habitat. Guidelines are designed to maintain habitat quality by avoiding
degradation from timber harvest, road construction and maintenance, mining, livestock grazing, water
developments, and recreation. Guidelines include establishing stream buffers, maintaining instream
flows and water quality, and reducing or not increasing human disturbance. Inventory and monitoring
protocols are included for assessing the U.S. Rocky Mountain harlequin duck population size and trend
and for individual project inventory and monitoring. Finally, areas where additional information is
needed regarding basic ecology and management and methods to increase knowledge of management
personnel and the public about harlequin ducks and their conservation are identified.
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i
CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT 1
Taxonomy . 1
Management status 1
Range and distribution 1
Population size and trend 7
Population size 7
Trend 8
Life history and habitat use 9
Wintering and nonbreeding ecology 9
Migration 9
Breeding ecology 9
Breeding habitat 10
Productivity 11
Return rates 11
Conservation genetics 11
Summary of threats 12
CONSERVATION STRATEGY 15
Introduction 15
Standards and guidelines 15
Timber management 15
Roads management 16
Fire/fuels management 17
Grazing management 17
Water management 17
Minerals management 18
Recreation management 19
Information and education 20
Inventory 20
Monitoring and adaptive mangement 20
Research needs 21
Literature cited 23
Appendix A Identification of Idaho breeding habitat and potential breeding habitat 27
Appendix B Identification of Montana breeding habitat and potential breeding habitat. . . 32
Appendix C Identification of Wyoming breeding habitat and potential breeding habitat. . 39
Appendix D Pair numbers on Rocky Mountain harlequin duck breeding streams 43
Appendix E Harlequin duck inventory and monitoring protocol 46
ii
List of Tables
Table 1 . Documented use of streams during the breeding season by harlequin
ducks in the Pacific population in the coterminus United States 2
Table 2. Number of documented and potential breeding streams where harlequin
ducks have been observed in the Rocky Mountains 4
Table 3. Primary land management status of known and probable harlequin duck
breeding streams in the Rocky Mountains 7
Table 4. Estimated United States harlequin duck breeding population in the
Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains 8
Table 5. Rocky Mountain streams historically used by harlequin ducks where
no use has been documented within the last 5 years 8
Appendix A, Table 1. Idaho harlequin duck breeding and probable breeding
occurrences, 1995 27
Appendix A, Table 2. Idaho streams where harlequin ducks have been observed or
reported, but breeding status is unknown 29
Appendix A, Table 3. Partial list of potential harlequin duck breeding streams in Idaho.... 31
Appendix B, Table 1. Montana harlequin duck breeding and probable breeding
occurrences, 1 995 32
Appendix B, Table 2. Montana streams where harlequin ducks have been observed or
reported, but breeding status is unknown 36
Appendix B, Table 3. Partial list of potential harlequin duck breeding streams in
Montana 28
Appendix C, Table 1. Wyoming harlequin duck breeding and probable breeding
occurrences, 1 995 39
Appendix C, Table 2. Wyoming streams where harlequin ducks have been observed or
reported, but breeding status is unknown 40
Appendix C, Table 3. Partial list of potential harlequin duck breeding streams in
Wyoming 41
Appendix D, Table 1. Minimum number harlequin duck pairs on streams monitored in
Idaho, 1989-1995 43
Appendix D, Table 2. Minimum number harlequin duck pairs on streams monitored in
iii
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming 1985-1995 43
List of Tables, cont'd.
Appendix D, Table 3. Minimum number harlequin duck pairs on streams monitored in
Wyoming outside Grand Teton National Park 1 985- 1 995 44
Appendix D, Table 4. Minimum number harlequin duck pairs on streams monitored in
Montana outside Glacier National Park, 1988-1995 44
Appendix D, Table 5. Minimum number harlequin duck pairs on streams monitored on
McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park, Montana, 1974 - 1995 45
Appendix E, Table 1. Rocky Mountain streams to monitor annually for harlequin ducks.. 51
Appendix E, Table 2. Rocky Mountain streams to monitor on a rotational basis for
harlequin ducks 52
Appendix E, Table 3. Data form for harlequin duck surveys 54
List of Figures
Figure 1 . Streams surveyed for harlequin ducks in the U . S . Rocky Mountains 5
Figure 2. Distribution of harlequin duck breeding streams in the U.S. Rocky
Mountains 6
Appendix E, Figure 1 . Guide to aging harlequin ducklings in the field 50
IV
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This document is based on the work of many dedicated individuals. Although too numerous to
name, we appreciate the hard work of all those who helped collect the data used in this document.
Craig Groves, formerly of the Idaho Conservation Data Center, and Dave Genter, Montana Natural
Heritage Program initiated and maintained continued support for work on harlequin ducks in Idaho and
Montana. Thanks to the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, National Geographic Society,
Idaho Dep. of Fish and Game, and Wyoming Game and Fish Dep. for providing major funding for
harlequin duck surveys and research in the U.S. Rocky Mountains.
Maps in this document were created by Cedron Jones of the Montana Natural Heritage
Program. We thank Pete Clarkson, Dan Davis, Seth Diamond, Scott Robinson, Bill Ruediger, and
Cyndi Smith for helping with the process of putting this together and providing comments on earlier
drafts.
CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT
Taxonomy
Histrionicus is a monospecific genus in the tribe Mergini (sea ducks) (Johnsgard 1960).
Disjunct populations occur in conjunction with the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. No subspecies are
currently recognized.
Management status
Due to low numbers, limited distribution, and localized population declines, harlequin ducks
were classified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a C2 candidate for threatened or endangered
status throughout the United States in 1991(USDI 1991). The harlequin duck is a U. S. Forest Service
sensitive species in the Northern, Rocky Mountain, and Pacific Northwest Regions, a state sensitive
species in Oregon, a priority habitat species in Washington, and a species of special concern in
Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Harlequin ducks are also classified as migratory waterfowl covered
under general waterfowl or sea duck regulations in Washington, Oregon, California, British Columbia,
and Alaska. Although harlequin ducks normally migrate to the coast prior to waterfowl hunting season
in the Rocky Mountains, they are legally hunted and very occasionally taken in this area as well.
Range and Distribution
The harlequin duck winters and molts in coastal areas and migrates inland to breed along
swiftly flowing mountain streams. Harlequin ducks are holarctic, but occur in disjunct populations
associated with the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines in North America and Asia. The Rocky Mountains
lie in the breeding range of the Pacific population in North America. This breeding range currently
extends from Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and possibly northern California east to
the eastern slopes of the continental divide in Alberta and Montana, and south to northwestern
Wyoming and southeastern Idaho. Wintering occurs primarily in coastal areas of Alaska, British
Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and northern California.
In the western United States outside Alaska, stream surveys and incidental reports have
documented harlequin duck use on 347 second-order or larger streams, (Table 1). Number of streams
used by harlequin ducks in western Canada and Alaska is unknown. Streams crossing state lines and
equally divided between states were assigned to the upstream state. One hundred thirty-five streams
where harlequin ducks have been observed during the breeding season in the U.S. Pacific outside
Alaska occur in the Rocky Mountains (40%).
Table 1. Documented use of streams during the breeding season by harlequin ducks in the
Pacific population in the coterminus United States, 1995.
State Number of breeding streams Number of harlequin duck
or possible breeding streams breeding or probable
where harlequin ducks have breeding occurrences'
been observed
Washington 164
Oregon 39
Idaho 54 16
Montana 102 33
Wyoming 40 8
California 1 -
Total 400
i
Data on harlequin duck breeding occurrences (defined below) not available outside the U.S. Rocky
Mountains.
Within the U.S. Rocky Mountain area harlequin duck breeding streams can be divided into 2
subprovinces based on breeding ecology, habitat characteristics and geographic separation:
1 . Northern Columbia Basin - northwestern Montana, including Glacier National Park and the
Rocky Mountain Front, and Idaho north of the Salmon River.
2. Intermountain - southern Idaho north to and including the Salmon River, southwestern
Montana and all of Wyoming including the Greater Yellowstone area.
Not all streams used by harlequin ducks during the breeding season are used for nesting or
brood-rearing. Some streams where adult harlequins are observed may be used only during migration
to and from breeding areas (these streams are not included in Table 1). In order to classify harlequin
duck observations in a consistent manner, we propose the following criteria:
Harlequin duck breeding occurence:
Drainages or portions of drainages used by harlequin ducks where breeding is known, i.e. a
brood or nest has been observed within the last 15 years. Comprised of contiguous stream
reaches (and portions of lakes, reservoirs, or bays) used during the courtship, nesting, and
brood- rearing periods not separated by more than 10 km of unsuitable habitat or 20 km of
unoccupied, suitable habitat.
Probable harlequin duck breeding occurrence:
Drainages or portions of drainages used by harlequin ducks where breeding is highly
suspected, i.e. there have been at least 3 independent pair or female observations within the last
15 years. Comprised of contiguous stream reaches (and portions of lakes, reservoirs, or bays)
used during the courtship, nesting, and brood-rearing periods not separated by more than 10
km of unsuitable habitat or 20 km of unoccupied, suitable habitat.
Breeding status unknown:
Drainages or portions of drainages with at least 1 harlequin duck observation but fewer than 3
independent pair or female observations during the breeding season within the last 15 years.
Breeding unlikely:
Observations of males during migration periods. The male migration periods are before 15
April and after 5 June in the Northern Columbia Basin and Rocky Mountain Front areas and
before 1 May and after 20 June in the Intermountain region.
Observations of pairs outside the prenesting season. The prenesting season is from 15 April -
5 June in the Northern Columbia Basin and Rocky Mountain Front areas and 1 May - 20 June
in the Intermountain area.
Incidental observations in unsuitable habitat such as ponds, or large, low gradient ( < 1 %)
rivers, not adjacent to known breeding sites, or observations on streams which have been
identified as lacking breeding activity (e.g. migratory staging areas or stopovers).
Using these criteria, there are currently 48 known breeding occurrences (89 streams), 10
probable breeding occurrences (29 streams) and 81 streams where breeding status is unknown in the
Rocky Mountains (Table 2, Fig. 2, Appendices A, B,and C, Table 1). Data are more complete for
Idaho and Montana than for Wyoming. As of 1995, inventory had been conducted on approximately
5,640 km of stream (Idaho - 1,886 km; Wyoming - 792 km; Montana 2963 km). Wyoming
distribution outside Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks is based 1 season of surveys (Laurion
and Oakleaf 1995), and observations as well as historical observations and data in the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department and Natural Heritage Program databases.
Table 2. Number of occurrences (streams) where harlequin ducks have been observed in the
Rocky Mountains.
Area
Breeding
Probable
breeding
Breeding status
unknown
Northern Columbia Basin Northern
Idaho/Northeastern Washington1
Northern Columbia Basin
Northwestern Montana and
Rocky Mountain Front2
Intermountain
Southwestern Montana
Intermountain
Southern Idaho3
Intermountain
Wyoming4
14 (23)
24(47)
1(17)
0(5)
1(17)
HD
HD
1(5)
16(16)
26(27)
6(9)
8(8)
21 (21)
Total
47 (89)
10 (29)
11 (81)
One of these occurrences originates in northeastern Washington and flows into northern Idaho.
One of these occurrences originates in Idaho and flows into Montana, one originates in British Columbia
and flows into Montana, one originates in Montana and flows into Alberta, and one originates in
Montana and flows into British Columbia.
One of these occurrences originates in northwestern Wyoming and flows into southern Idaho.
One of these occurrences originates in northwestern Wyoming and flows into southwestern Montana.
The majority of known and probable harlequin duck breeding streams in the Rocky Mountains
occur on federal lands (Table 3). In Idaho, 89% of known and probable breeding occurrences and
93% (28 of 30) of known and probable breeding streams are on lands managed by the U.S. Forest
Service, although at least 6 of these streams cross some private or corporate timber land. The two
breeding occurrences not managed by the Forest Service are in watersheds managed primarily by the
Idaho Department of Lands. In Montana, 76% (25 of 33) known and probable breeding occurrences
are also primarily managed by the U.S. Forest Service, 5 (15%) are in Glacier National Park, and one
each (3%) are on state, private, and mixed ownership (Glacier, Private, and Forest Service). At least
13 of these occurrences cross some private or corporate timber lands in stream reaches harlequins are
known to use, and an additional 8 in stream reaches harlequins may use. The large number of
occurrences in Montana which cross private lands show the importance of involving private landowners
in management decisions; many occurrences could be jeopardized by changes in
Figure 1 . Streams surveyed for Harlequin Ducks in Montana, Idaho,
and Wyoming during the period 1 985 - 1 995.
survey reach
0 50
Scale in miles
5
July 19, 1996
Montana Natural Heritage Program
Figure 2. Breeding and probable breeding streams in Montana, Idaho
and Wyoming
' ** : # .:.•*•.■. ■•'.•■'.■■.<jt'. ■.-_■ ~
—I
breeding
probable breeding
breeding status unknown
national forests/national parks
0 60
Scale in miles
6
July 1 9, 1 996
Montana Natural Heritage Program
private land use. Portions of two occurrence in Glacier National Park are easily accessible by road,
while the other three are in roadless areas. Over half (59%) of known and probable harlequin duck
breeding streams in Idaho and Montana are on U.S. Forest Service Lands under multiple use
management.
In Wyoming, 43% (3 of 8) breeding occurrences are managed by the National Park
Service in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, 50% (4 of 8) are managed by the U.S. Forest
Service, and 1 is managed by both the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. The
majority (62%) of known and probable breeding streams are managed by the National Park Service
(Table 3). Suitable and occupied (breeding status unknown) habitat remains to be surveyed in
Yellowstone National Park and on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management in northwestern Wyoming (Appendix C).
Table 3. Primary land management status of known and probable harlequin duck breeding
streams in the U.S. Rocky Mountains.
State
U.S.
Forest Service
Nat'l
Park
State
Lands
Private
Mixed
owner-
ship
Wilderness
Roadless Wild
and/or
scenic
NRA
Multiple
use
Idaho
1
4
5(1)'
0
18
0
2
0
0
Montana
5
2
(2)1
1
17
5
1
1
1
Wyoming
2
2
0
0
3
13
0
0
0
Total
8
8
38
18
()' Streams are in designated wilderness.
Population size and trend
Population size
Minimum harlequin duck breeding population size in the pacific U.S. outside Alaska is
approximately 523 pairs. Thirty-eight percent (198 pairs) breed in the Rocky Mountains (Table 4).
Trend
Although historical information is lacking for most areas, both breeding and wintering
distribution may be declining in the Pacific population. Harlequin ducks have disappeared both from
peripheral areas where they were formerly present but rare, and from centrally located areas where
they were once relatively common. Reductions in the Pacific breeding distribution have been
documented primarily in the eastern and southern parts of the range (Cassirer et al. 1993). Harlequin
ducks appear to no longer use at least 10 streams in the Rocky Mountains which previously (as recently
as 1987) had a record of use (Table 5) . However, pair numbers on most breeding streams that have
been surveyed for 3 or more years appear to be stable (Appendix D).
Table 4. Estimated United States harlequin duck breeding population in the Pacific Northwest
and Rocky Mountains (Cassirer et al. 1993, Thompson et al. 1993).
State
Minimum no.
Estimated total number of
breeding pairs1
breeding pairs2
275
-
50
-
48
70
110
159
40
58
Washington
Oregon
Idaho
Montana
Wyoming
Total
523
287
Maximum number observed during surveys.
Assuming 69% observability under optimum survey conditions (Cassirer and Groves 1994). Data not available outside
the Rocky Mountains.
Table 5. Rocky Mountain streams previously used by harlequin ducks where no use has been
documented since 1988. Number in parentheses is number of surveys 1989 - 1994.
State Historical consistent use
documented
Idaho
Montana
Wyoming
Historical occasional Historical occasional pair
hrerAmp dornmented use documented
Kelly Creek and N. Fork
Clearwater River below Kelly
Creek (3)1
Kootenai Falls area of Kootenai
River (11)'
Smith Creek
(Kootenai River) (3)1
Otatso Creek
Orogrande Creek (N. Fork
Clearwater River) (4)1
Bighorn River Canyon
Jocko River
Sweet Water Creek
Shell Creek Canyon
8
Life history and habitat use
Wintering and nonbreeding ecology
Harlequin ducks winter along northern coastlines, usually near reefs, rocky islands, and
cobble beaches. Coastal numbers are greatest from October through March or April (Campbell et al.
1990, Byrd et al. 1992), although nonbreeding and immature individuals may remain on the ocean
year-round. Pair bonds are likely formed in coastal areas. Banding efforts suggest that individuals
exhibit fidelity to both molting and wintering areas (Goudie, Breault, unpubl. data, pers. comm).
Distribution of harlequin ducks along the coast shifts within and among years (Schirato and
Sharpe 1992), partially due to food availability (Chadwick 1992). Marine foods include crustaceans,
gastropods, and other invertebrates (Vermeer 1983, Goudie and Ankney 1986, Gaines and Fitzner
1987), and roe (Vermeer 1983, Chadwick 1992).
Sex ratios on wintering areas are biased towards males in most areas (British Columbia 60%
males, 40% females or apparent females, Campbell et al. 1990, Chadwick 1992; Amchitka and
Shemya Islands, Alaska 53-56% males, Byrd et al. 1992). Summering ratios of males in some areas of
coastal British Columbia increase to 95% (Campbell et al. 1990). However, in some areas females and
juveniles predominate (Adak Island, Alaska 46% males, Byrd et al. 1992; Maine 48% males, 52%
apparent females, Mittelhauser 1991).
Migration
Harlequin ducks migrate from the coast to breeding areas from March through June and return
to the coast from June through September. Little is known about migration routes, although they are
thought to follow stream corridors, particularly where breeding streams are relatively close to coastal
wintering sites (Bengtson 1966, Dzinbal 1982). Birds evidently fly to Rocky Mountain breeding areas
east of the continental divide. Migration to these areas probably involves a combination of swimming
and flight, and may be influenced by distance from wintering areas, as well as weather and snow
conditions encountered enroute. There appear to be some locations along travel corridors in the Rocky
Mountains where harlequin ducks stop regularly during spring migration. Few birds are observed
during return migration to the coast in summer and fall, therefore this migration is thought to be
relatively rapis (Wallen 1987, 1991).
Harlequin ducks marked on breeding streams in northern Idaho (4 ducks), northwestern
Montana (12 ducks), and northwestern Wyoming (2 ducks) have been reobserved along Oregon,
northwestern Washington, and southern British Columbia coastlines July - March (Wallen 1991,
unpubl. data; Cassirer and Groves 1992, 1994, unpubl. data; Reichel and Genter 1994, 1995, unpubl.
data).
Breeding ecology
Both pairs and bachelor drakes migrate to breeding areas. Unpaired hens are uncommon on
the breeding grounds during spring. Spring sex ratios on breeding streams average 55-64% males
(Bengtson 1972, Kuchel 1977, Inglis et al. 1989). Harlequin ducks maintain a multi-year pair bond,
and both pairs and bachelor drakes exhibit strong fidelity to breeding streams (Kuchel 1977, Wallen
1987, Cassirer and Groves 1991, Reichel and Genter 1995).
Breeding chronology tends to be delayed in areas with later snowmelt: harlequin ducks in the
northern Columbia Basin breed approximately 2 weeks earlier than in the higher elevation
Intermountain area (Wallen 1987, Cassirer and Groves 1990). Egg laying and incubation generally
occur during May and June. At the start of incubation, the drakes return to the coast, eliminating the
possibility of renesting. During late June and early July nonbreeding, possibly immature, hens appear
on the streams and remain until after hatching occurs in June and July. Nonbreeding and unsuccessful
hens migrate to the coast in July. Successful hens remain on the streams with the ducklings, although
up to 40% abandon their broods before fledging (Wallen 1987, Cassirer and Groves 1991). Ducklings
return to the coast in the summer and fall after fledging. Males do not attain full breeding plumage
until after their second winter and in general harlequin ducks do not breed until after their first year.
Breeding habitat
The harlequin is the only duck in the northern hemisphere to breed almost exclusively along
swiftly flowing mountain streams. Within their breeding range, harlequin ducks nest only along a
select number of clear streams with rocky substrates. Stream channels range from braided to straight,
with an abundance of riffle and rapid habitats. Some use of mountain lakes and lake outlets has been
documented in the Canadian Rockies (Clarkson 1992), Montana (Ashley 1994, Reichel and Genter,
unpubl. data) and Iceland (Bengtson 1972). Bank vegetation is highly variable, from moorland in
Iceland, spruce forest and willow thickets in Labrador, willow shrub or pole or immature-sized
lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanii), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga
menziesii) forest in Wyoming, Montana, and southern Idaho (Wallen 1987, Atkinson and Atkinson
1990, Diamond and Finnegan 1993), to mature or old-growth western redcedar (Thuja plicata) -
western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in the Pacific northwest (Cassirer and Groves 1991).
Harlequin ducks usually nest close to streams on streambanks or islands, but nesting habits are
highly variable. Nests may be on the ground in dense vegetation, in rocky cavities, piles of woody
debris, undercut streambanks, or in cliff cavities above the stream, or hollow trees or snags in the
adjacent forest. Nests are extremely well-hidden, and are often, although not always, upstream of pair
activity areas (Bengtson 1972, Cassirer et al. 1993).
Gradient, water quality, substrate, and bank vegetation are useful indicators of potential
harlequin duck breeding habitat. The following characteristics are typical of harlequin duck breeding
streams in the Rocky Mountains:
1 . Stream size second-order or greater.
2. Reaches on the stream with average gradient between 1 % and 7%, with some areas of shallow
water (riffles).
3. Clear water.
4. Rocky, gravel to boulder-size substrate.
5. Forested bank vegetation.
Some factors that may increase likelihood of use by harlequin ducks include:
1 . Proximity to occupied habitat
2. Hiding cover along the stream; including overhanging shrub vegetation, logjams, undercut
streambanks, woody debris and instream loafing sites (boulders or gravel bars adjacent to
10
swiftly-flowing water.
3. Absence of human disturbance such as boating, fishing, and residences.
4. Lack of access by road or trail.
Lists of some potential breeding streams in the Rocky Mountains based these parameters are contained
in Appendices A, B and C, Table 3.
Productivity
On average, 12-56% of paired females on a breeding stream successfully produce ducklings
to fledging in a given year (Bengtson and Ulfstrand 1971, Kuchel 1977, Wallen 1987, Cassirer and
Groves 1991). Duckling survival to fledging ranges from 45-80%. Brood size at fledging averages 2.6
- 4.5 (Bengtson 1972, Kuchel 1977, Dzinbal 1982, Wallen 1987, Cassirer and Groves 1991, Reichel
and Genter 1995). Recruitment rate is unknown. In an increasing population in Iceland, productivity
measured over a 15 year period varied from 0.1 to 3.3 ducklings fledged per hen annually, and
averaged 1.1 ducklings per hen per year. (Gardarsson and Einarsson 1991). Productivity is highly
variable from year to year and appears to be influenced by magnitude and timing of stream runoff
(Kuchel 1977, Cassirer and Groves 1994, Diamond and Finnegan 1993, Reichel and Genter 1994) and
food availability (Bengtson and Ulfstrand 1971, Gardarsson and Einarsson 1991). Harlequin ducks
feed mainly on benthic invertebrates (Pool 1962, Bengston and Ulfstrand 1971) and roe (Dzinbal 1982)
on breeding areas. Lack of productivity is due both to nonb reeding and failed breeding by paired hens
(Bengtson and Ulfstrand 1971, Dzinbal 1982, Cassirer and Groves 1991).
Return rates
Return rates of banded or nasal-marked adults to breeding streams were 63 % in Idaho (n =
31), 40% in Wyoming (n = 54), and 67% in Montana (n = 12, Kuchel 1977)), 57% (n = 30, Reichel
and Genter 1995) and 54% (n = 7, Ashley 1994) in Montana. Some ducklings eventually return to
their natal streams to breed (Kuchel 1977, Wallen 1991). Return rate of juveniles appears to be low,
but is not well documented. At least 5 females of 103 ducklings banded in Grand Teton National Park
1987-1990 have returned and nested successfully (Wallen 1991). In Montana, 11 of 67 ducklings
banded returned to their natal stream as two-year-olds; all were females and at least 1 nested
successfully while 8 did not (Kuchel 1976, Ashley 1994, Reichel and Genter 1995).
Conservation Genetics
No information is available on population genetics in harlequin ducks. The extent of genetic
variation between the Atlantic and Pacific populations, or across the Pacific breeding range is
unknown. Harlequin ducks exhibit a high degree of fidelity to breeding areas, but probably pair on
wintering areas where genetic mixing may occur. The degree of similarity among breeding streams is
important in understanding both the extent of pair formation and mixing on wintering areas, and the
genetic uniqueness of harlequins using different breeding streams or areas. Additional information is
needed in order to understand implications for conservation and/or potential reintroduction efforts.
11
Summary of threats
Harlequin duck population regulation appears to be a complex mechanism affected by a
number of factors. Potential human-caused threats to population viability in the Rocky Mountains
include both habitat degradation and direct mortality in breeding and wintering areas.
A. Presence of threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of the species habitat or range.
Al. Riparian habitats
Harlequin ducks use diverse riparian habitats for nesting, feeding, to provide security, and as
escape cover. Streambank and/or channel alteration may reduce the quality of these habitats by
eliminating or reducing both cover and food supply.
Management considerations: channelizaton, damming, livestock grazing, brush removal, timber
harvest, gravel extraction, logjam removal, dredging, bank rip-rap, and road construction.
A2. Water yield levels
Harlequin duck productivity is inversely related to spring streamflows, particularly during the
nesting and brood-rearing periods in June and July (Kuchel 1977, Diamond and Finnegan 1993,
Reichel and Genter 1994, Cassirer and Groves 1994). High flow events during this period can reduce
or eliminate productivity.
Harlequin ducks are closely tied to streams for feeding and protection from predators. Hens
with broods usually travel downstream from nesting areas during the brood-rearing period prior to
fledging. Dewatering of feeding and brood-rearing areas during the breeding period will render these
habitats unavailable to harlequin ducks and will likely directly negatively impact productivity.
Management considerations: hydropower development, stream diversion or damming, timber harvest,
and road construction.
A3. Water quality
Sedimentation may fill interstitial habitat in and adjacent to streams (Roby et al. 1977) and
reduce the density of the harlequin duck food supply (macroinvertebrates) and alter species
composition. Sedimentation may also reduce the ability of harlequin ducks to find prey. Toxic
chemical pollution can also directly impact the harlequin duck food supply.
Management considerations: road construction, timber harvest, livestock grazing, toxic chemical spills,
mining activities.
12
A4. Habitat security
Harlequin ducks can be displaced by instream river use (Clarkson 1992, Hunt 1993),
particularly on narrow streams. Instream recreational activities may be more disruptive when
conducted during the prenesting and early brood-rearing season (May-July) than when conducted later
in the breeding cycle (August and September). Human activities along the banks may also displace
birds and indirectly impact reproduction (Wallen 1987).
Management considerations: boating use, angler use, hiking, camping, and land management activities
in and along streams during the breeding season.
A5. Migration, molting, and wintering conditions
Harlequin ducks breeding in the Rocky Mountains migrate to northern Pacific coastlines to
molt and winter. Habitat conditions in these areas are critical to maintaining breeding subpopulations
in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Potential direct threats to harlequin duck survival include oil spills
and other contamination in breeding and wintering areas. Besides being an immediate mortality factor,
residual oil may eliminate reproduction by chronically recontaminating birds (Patten 1993).
Management considerations: oil and other pollution, encroachment of shoreline development and
commercial activities on wintering or molting areas.
Overutilization for commercial, recreational, or educational purposes.
Bl. Overharvest
Overharvest of remnant populations on wintering areas likely occurred and may be continuing
to occur in the Atlantic. This long-lived species has a relatively low reproductive rate as well as
delayed reproduction and probably cannot withstand significant increases in adult mortality. This is
compounded by use of near shore habitats that makes the species relatively vulnerable to hunting from
shore. Currently there is little evidence of significant hunting pressure on the Pacific population
outside localized areas in Alaska. However, sea duck hunting is gaining popularity on the west coast
and the species occurs in such low numbers in the Rocky Mountains that it could be easily affected by
minimal coastal hunting pressure.
Management considerations: migratory waterfowl harvest regulations.
C. Predation and disease.
There is currently no evidence of excessive levels of predation and disease on harlequin
ducks.
13
P. Other natural or manmade factors affecting the species continued existence.
No other natural or manmade factors are known to be affecting the species.
E. Inadequacy of existing federal regulations.
Federal migratory bird harvest regulations covering harlequin ducks are based on monitoring
and harvest data that may be inadequate to detect impacts on the Rocky Mountain subpopulation (see
overharvest).
14
CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Introduction
The intent of this Conservation Strategy is to prevent declines in current population levels of
the harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus-) in the Rocky Mountain breeding range of Idaho,
Montana, and Wyoming. The primary goal is to maintain viable populations along with protection and
maintenance of critical habitats to ensure that listing is not warranted, in accordance with the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 as amended. Establishment of management guidelines is
complicated by a limited knowledge base and by the fact that harlequin ducks exhibit significant
variation in some aspects of breeding ecology and behavior throughout their range. A monitoring
program should be developed for all occupied areas affected by proposed management activities and
this strategy should be updated as necessary to reflect current knowledge.
This Conservation Strategy focuses on the harlequin duck, but will also benefit other riparian
and aquatic-dependent species, including Federal and State special status species such as bull trout
(Salvelinus confluentus) and westslope cutthroat (Oncorhyncus clarki lewisi). Likewise, management
for these fish species will benefit harlequin ducks.
Standards and guidelines
Standards and guidelines apply to habitat along occupied harlequin duck breeding streams,
including breeding streams, probable breeding streams, and streams of unknown breeding status
(Appendix A,B,C, Tables 1 and 2 ). Management guidelines are intended to protect habitat
components (security, cover, food), necessary for harlequin ducks to complete their life cycle. The
following standards and guidelines should be followed unless cumulative effects watershed analysis and
site specific analyses by a qualified biologist addressing harlequin duck habitat parameters indicate that
habitat function can be maintained using alternative methods.
Timber management
Timber management guidelines are specifically intended to: avoid disturbance of breeding birds, (TM-
1) and maintain security cover and nesting habitat (TM-2, TM-3). The goal of timber management
guideline TM-4 is to avoid increasing spring and summer stream flows which can reduce harlequin
duck productivity by washing away nests and/or ducklings. Finally, guidelines TM-3 and TM-5 are
intended to prevent increases in sedimentation which could impact the harlequin duck's food supply
(aquatic insects) and foraging ability.
TM-1. Active logging and road construction activities (such as harvest, skidding, grading, blasting,
excavation, etc.) within 2 sight distances' of riparian zones should be conducted outside the
1 Sight distance is a measure of hiding cover often defined as the distance at which 90% or
more of an adult animal is hidden from view (Thomas et al. 1976, Lyon and Christenson 1992). In
this conservation strategy sight distance is defined as the distance at which the green line
vegetation or riparian area is obscured from view prior to leafout. Two sight distances is double
this distance.
15
harlequin duck breeding season. The breeding season is 15 April - 5 September in the
Northern Columbia Basin and 1 May - 20 September in the Intermountain.
TM-2. Maintain overstory and understory cover within 2 sight distances or 100m from the greenline
vegetation.
TM-3. Maintain riparian vegetative structure and function, and snags, and woody debris along the
stream within 2 site-potential tree lengths from the stream.
TM-4. Manage timber harvest and road construction in uplands to maintain the natural stream flow
regime. Avoid increasing peak flows during snowmelt and rain events, reducing summer
flows and increasing bedload movement.
TM-5 Avoid increasing sediment delivery to streams during the breeding season in order to maintain
substrate condition and turbidity levels necessary for maintaining the harlequin duck benthic
invertebrate food supply and suitable feeding conditions.
Roads management
Road management guidelines are intended to avoid disturbance of breeding birds, reduce human access
to breeding streams, maintain security cover and nesting habitat, and prevent increases in sedimentation
which could impact the harlequin duck food supply (aquatic insects) and foraging ability. In addition,
road management guidelines are intended to avoid increasing spring and summer stream flows which
can reduce harlequin duck productivity by washing away nests and/or ducklings.
RM- 1 . For planned roads :
a. Avoid placing new roads up drainage bottoms, concentrate road systems on mid-slopes or
ridges.
b. Locate roads in areas not visible from the stream, at least 2 sight distances away from the
stream and where stream access is not increased.
c. Restrict frequency of stream crossings and where feasible bridge streams instead of using
culverts. Avoid crossing streams at stream junctions because these areas are often frequently
used by harlequin ducks..
d. Conduct stream crossing construction activities outside the harlequin duck breeding season.
RM-2. For existing roads:
a. Do not construct new pullouts or parking areas within 2 sight distances or 100m of the
greenline vegetation, or where stream accessiblity would be increased.
b. Move roads away from the stream where feasible when reconstructing or upgrading
existing roads.
16
c. When reconstructing or upgrading roads eliminate parking areas and pullouts that increase
access to streams.
d. Obliterate and stabilize roads no longer required for timber activities.
e. Evaluate and eliminate potential impacts of road maintenance activities on water quality
and stream habitat.
Fire/Fuels management
The fire/fuels management guideline is intended to avoid disturbing harlequin ducks during the
breeding period and impacting riparian nesting habitat and security cover.
FM-1. Where possible, locate incident bases, camps, helibases, staging areas, helispots and other
centers for incident activities greater than 300 ft from the stream, unless they can be
constructed consistent with achieving the conservation strategy goal.
Grazing management
Grazing management guidelines are intended to maintain water quality, temperatures, and quantity
necessary to sustain the harlequin duck food supply (aquatic insects) and provide the clear water
conditions needed for foraging, and to maintain vegetation along streambanks (especially shrubs) for
nesting habitat and security cover. In addition they are designed to avoid disturbance of nesting birds
or broods.
GM-1 Eliminate impacts that are inconsistent with attainment of conservation strategy goals by
managing grazing (length and timing of grazing season, stocking levels, location and
development of water sources) to maintain riparian vegetation and stream bank stability in
excellent condition, including:
a. Ensuring that available water will sustain the naturally occurring aquatic ecosystem.
b. Locating livestock watering facilities at least 300 ft from the stream or outside riparian
areas.
c. Removing water developments which are inconsistent with conservation strategy goals,
and restore these areas.
GM-2 Conduct livestock trailing, bedding, watering, salting, loading, and other handling efforts
outside harlequin duck breeding areas and/or breeding season.
Water management
Water management guidelines WM-1 and WM-2 focus on maintaining adequate water levels in the
17
stream to allow adults and ducklings to move through continous habitat during the breeding season.
They also are intended to maintain habitat for the harlequin duck food supply, aquatic insects, minimize
disturbance, and prevent increases in spring and summer flows that can negatively impact productivity
by washing away nests and/or ducklings. Water management guideline WM-3 is intended to prevent
sedimentation that can negatively affect the harlequin duck food supply and their foraging ability, and
to prevent disturbance of ducks during the breeding season.
WM-1. For hydroelectric and other water development proposals, maintain instream flows and habitat
conditions (including connectivity to facilitate brood movements) suitable for achieving the
conservation strategy goal. Coordinate this process with the appropriate state agencies.
WM-2. Hydroelectric facilities will be located, operated, and maintained to eliminate adverse effects
that are inconsistent with attainment of the conservation strategy goals.
WM-3. Schedule instream projects involving excavation or other disturbances outside the harlequin
duck breeding season unless they can be designed to be compatible with acheiving the
conservation strategy goal.
Minerals management
Minerals management guidelines are intended to maintain the long term water quality and quantity
necessary for sustaining the harlequin duck food supply, aquatic insects, and the clear water necessary
for foraging. They are also designed to protect riparian nesting habitat and security cover, and to avoid
human disturbance during the breeding season. Guideline MM-3 focuses on maintaining sufficient
water in the stream to allow adults and ducklings to move through continous habitat during the breeding
season.
MM-1 Require an approved plan of operations, reclamation plan, and reclamation bond for any
mineral operation that could affect achievment of conservation strategy goals. Reclamation
plans will contain measurable attainment and bond release criteria for each reclamation
activity.
MM-2 Locate structures, support facilities, and roads compatible with maintaining habitat necessary
to acheive conservation strategy goals. When a road is no longer required for mineral
activities, it will be obliterated and stabilized.
MM-3 Maintain minimum yearound water flows in the stream channel consistent with flows occuring
the absence of the facility development.
MM-4 Prohibit solid and sanitary waste facilities within riparian areas that are inconsistent with
acheiving conservation strategy goals. If no practical alternative exists to locating mine waste
(waste rock, spent ore, tailings) facilities within riparian areas, and releases can be prevented
and stability can be ensured, then:
a. Analyze the waste material using the best conventional sampling methods and analytical
techniques to determine its chemical and physical stability characteristics.
18
b. Locate and design the facilities using best conventional techniques to ensure mass stability,
prevent the release of acid or toxic materials, and attainment conservation strategy goals. If
the best conventional technology is inconsistent with attainment of conservation strategy goals,
prohibit such facilities within the riparian area, or 300 ft from the stream.
c. Monitor waste and waste facilities to confirm predictions of chemical and physical stablity,
and make adjustments to operations as needed.
d. Reclaim waste facilities after operations to assure chemical and physical stability necessary for
acheiving conservation strategy goals.
e. Require reclamation bonds to ensure long-term chemical, physical, hydrological, and
biological stability of mine waste facilities.
MM-5 For leasable minerals, prohibit surface occupancy within 300 ft of the stream, unless they can
be conducted in a manner compatible with acheiving conservation strategy goals. Adjust the
operating plans of any existing contracts to eliminate impacts that are inconsistent with
attainment of conservation strategy goals.
MM-6 Sand and gravel mining in riparian areas should not be conducted unless it can be done in a
manner consistent with acheiving conservation strategy goals.
MM-7 Develop inspection and monitoring requirements for mineral activities. Evaluate the results of
inspection and monitoring to modify mineral plans, leases, or permits as needed, to eliminate
impacts that are inconsistent with attainment of conservation strategy goals.
Recreation management
Recreation management guidelines RE-1 through 4 are intended to avoid disturbance of harlequin ducks
by boaters during the breeding season. This can be especially detrimental on smaller streams where it
is difficult for harlequin ducks maintain a comfortable distance between themselves and the boats
without being displaced up- or downstream. Recreation management guidelines RE-5 through RE-7
are intended to reduce or avoid increases in disturbance by other recreational activities in and along the
stream during the harlequin duck breeding season. RE-5 and RE-6 are also intended to maintain
nesting and security habitat in riparian areas.
RE-1. Discourage expansion of boating activities on occupied or potential harlequin duck breeding
streams or stream reaches currently receiving low or no boating use. Control access through
methods such as not plowing access roads during the breeding season or where necessary,
closing roads that would provide boater access to remote streams. Implement seasonal boating
closures where use cannot be managed through access restrictions.
RE-2. Prohibit commercial boating permits, boating competitions, and instructional schools in areas
currently without them; this should include transportation of private boating parties and/or
their equipment at the beginning or end of their trip by commercial outfitters.
19
:
RE-3. Do not expand commercial boating and fishing outfitter permits during the harlequin duck
breeding season (Northern Columbia Basin: 15 April - 5 September, Intermountain: 1 May -
20 September) on harlequin duck breeding streams, including fishing derbies, transportation of
private boating parties and/or their equipment at the beginning or end of their trip by
commercial outfitters.
RE-4. Prohibit motorized boating activity, including jet skis on occupied harlequin duck streams.
Where these activities are already established, relocation should be considered.
RE-5. Locate new trails or reconstructed trails greater than 2 sight distances or 300 ft from the
stream and avoid increasing stream access.
RE-6. Do not construct new campgrounds or expand existing campgrounds along the streambank.
Do not designate new horse or fishing camps within 300 ft. of the stream, and where feasible
move existing sites, especially those used during the harlequin duck breeding season.
RE-7. Manage fishing pressure to achieve the conservation strategy goal including maintaining late-
season (July) openers.
Information and education
The information and education guidelines are intended to provide accurate, informative, and
entertaining materials to the public to explain the life history and habitat needs of harlequin ducks.
They are also aimed at assisting administrators, land managers, biologists, and other field personnel
with the implementation of this conservation strategy.
IE-1. Create brochures, posters, and multi-media presentations on harlequin duck ecology and
conservation for dissemination to user groups and the general public.
IE-2. Conduct interagency workshops on harlequin duck ecology and implementation of the
conservation strategy for managers and field biologists in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
IE-3. Encourage recreation and wildlife field personnel to incorporate information on harlequin
duck ecology and conservation in public contacts as appropriate.
Inventory
Inventory should be conducted on all potential harlequin duck breeding streams identified as
"breeding status unknown" in this strategy. Surveys should be conducted at least once for pairs during
the prenesting season within the next 5 years (by the year 2000). Inventory should also be initiated on
all streams with potentially suitable habitat (see conservation assessment) in areas that may be affected
by management activites. Inventory protocol is described in Appendix E.
20
:^
Monitoring and adaptive management
It is particularly important to monitor populations in a managed landscape to assess various
impacts of land management activities, to evaluate the success of this conservation strategy, and to
allow for adaptive management. Within the Rocky Mountains, monitoring is designed in the context of
the 2 subprovinces identified in the conservation assessment:
1 . Northern Columbia Basin - northwestern Montana, including Glacier National Park, the
Rocky Mountain Front, and Idaho north of the Salmon River.
2. Intermountain - southern Idaho north to the and including the Salmon River, southwestern
Montana, and all of Wyoming including the Greater Yellowstone area.
In each area monitoring consists of 1) annual pair and brood monitoring on selected
accessible, consistently used breeding streams streams; and 2) rotational sampling on all other breeding
streams (Skalski 1995). Monitoring will document pair abundance, trend, and productivity. A
monitoring protocol is included in Appendix E.
A monitoring program should also be developed to address proposed management activities
that could potentially negatively or positively impact harlequin duck abundance and productivity.
Monitoring should be of sufficient duration to evaluate long term or chronic affects. This should
include collection of baseline data as well as project implementation, habitat response, and wildlife
response monitoring. This monitoring information is imperative for evaluation of management
activities and implementation of adaptive management.
Copies of all inventory and monitoring data should be deposited at the state or Natural
Heritage Program. Data will be summarized in an annual report by the Rocky Mountain Harlequin
Duck working group which will include at least one member from each of the involved states.
Research Needs
Many basic questions about harlequin duck ecology remain to be answered. Answers to the following
research questions are important for prioritizing and developing appropriate management techniques:
What are the critical habitat components limiting harlequin duck breeding and wintering populations?
Harlequin ducks use a wide variety of habitats during the breeding season, from old growth forest to
tundra. Habitats used and not used over a wide range of breeding areas should be compiled to identify
common habitat components in order to better define habitat requirements. Effects of altering both
breeding and wintering habitat should be documented as management activities occur and possibilities for
mitigation and habitat restoration investigated.
How and why do productivity and survival change over time and among areas, and what are the relative
impacts of these changes on populations?
Long term studies to are needed to determine demographic parameters necessary for understanding and
modelling population dynamics. These include: productivity, age-related survival, recruitment, age(s) at
first breeding and/or first successful breeding, age(s) of last breeding, life expectancy and causes and
timing (seasonal and age-related) of mortality.
21
What are the impacts of human disturbance on breeding and wintering harlequin ducks?
Several independent studies have documented the sensitivity of harlequin ducks to human disturbance
during the breeding season, however behavior varies among individuals and breeding areas. Effects of
human disturbance on behavior, productivity, and survival in breeding and wintering areas should continue
to be examined.
Are distinct metapopulations ("such as a Rocky Mountain breeding population-) identifiable within the
Pacific range of harlequin ducks?
Harlequin ducks exhibit a fairly high degree of ecological and behavioral variability, such differences in
habitat use and timing of breeding activities, across their range. Some subpopulations migrate hundreds of
miles to montane breeding areas, while others breed on coastal streams. Yet although they are philopatric
to breeding areas, mixing occurs on molting and wintering areas. Pair-bonding may occur in both breeding
and wintering areas. The degree of genetic differences among and within wintering and breeding
subpopulations would allow assessment of the extent of mixing and would help determine the appropriate
management unit.
What are the characteristics of harlequin duck migration? How well defined are migratory staging areas
and migration corridors? What is the extent and nature of monements in coastal and inland areas?
Movement, migration, and dispersal patterns within and between breeding and wintering areas are little
known. Investigatation through radiotelemetry, banding, and other techniques is needed to better
understand these patterns.
22
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23
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24
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25
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26
Appendix A, Table 1. Idaho harlequin duck breeding and probable breeding occurrences, 1995.
Occurrence
Status1
Rank2
Watershed
Primary
ownership3
Upper Priest River
B
B
Priest River
IPNF
includes Gold Creek
B
Hughes Fork
B
Granite and N. Fork Granite Cr.
B
Sullivan Creek (Washington)
B
Pend Oreille River
CNF
Lion Creek
B
U
Priest River
IDL
includes Two Mouth Creek
BU
Middle Fork East River
B
C
Priest River
IDL
Long Canyon Creek
B
D
Kootenai River
IPNF
includes Smith Creek
B
Moyie River
B
D
Kootenai River
IPNF
includes Deer Creek
PRB
North Fork Coeur d'Alene River
B
D
Coeur d'Alene River
IPNF
includes Jordan Cr.
B
East Fork Lightning Creek
B
D
Clark Fork River
IPNF
includes Lightning Creek
PRB
Gold Creek, L. Pend Oreille
B
C
Lake Pend Oreille
IPNF
includes N. Gold Creek
B
Granite Creek
B
St. Joe River
B
CD
St. Joe River
IPNF
includes Simmons Creek
PRB
Marble Creek
B
D
St. Joe River
IPNF
Little North Fork Clearwater River
B
U
Clearwater River
IPNF
North Fork Clearwater River
B
c
Clearwater River
CLNF
includes Kelly Creek
B
Lochsa River
B
BA
Clearwater River
CLNF
includes White Sands Creek
PRB
Papoose Creek
B
Boulder Creek
BU
Fish Creek
PRB
Squaw Creek
BU
B = Breeding, PRB = Probable breeding, BU = Breeding status unknown.
A = 20+ pairs within a single occurrence, B = 5 - 19 pairs within the occurrence and a minimum of 10
pairs within the occurrence and other occurrences within 20 km, C = 3+ pairs within the occurrence; if
5+ pairs then < 10 pairs within the occurrence and other occurrences within 20 km.
D = 1-2 pairs, U = Unknown. Not enough data to place in a range of 2 categories.
IPNF= Idaho Panhandle National Forest, CNF = Colville National Forest, CLNF = Clearwater National
Forest, IDL = Idaho Department of State Lands.
27
Appendix A, Table 1, cont'd. Idaho harlequin duck breeding occurrences and probable breeding
occurences, 1995.
Occurrence
Status1 Rank2 Watershed
Primary
ownership3
Selway River
includes Bear Creek
North Fork Big Creek
Big Elk Creek
B
DC
Clearwater River
NPNF
BU
B
D
Pahsimeroi River
CHNF
PRB
D
S. Fork Snake River
TNF
B = Breeding, PRB = Probable breeding, BU = Breeding status unknown.
A = 20+ pairs within a single occurrence, B = 5 - 19 pairs within the occurrence and a minimum of 10
pairs within the occurrence and other occurrences within 20 km, C = 3+ pairs within the occurrence; if
5+ pairs then < 10 pairs within the occurrence and other occurrences within 20 km.
D = 1-2 pairs, U = Unknown. Not enough data to place in a range of 2 categories.
NPNF= Nez Perce National Forest, CHNF = Challis National Forest, TNF = Targhee National Forest.
28
Appendix A, Table 2. Idaho streams where harlequin ducks have been observed or reported, but
breeding status is unknown.
Stream
Watershed
Primary
ownership1
No. surveys
conducted
Soldier Creek
Priest Lake
IDL
l
Two Mouth Creek
Priest Lake
IDL
l
Boundary Creek
Kootenai River
IPNF
5
Pack River
includes Grouse Creek
Lake Pend Oreille
IPNF
3
2
Spring Creek
Lake Pend Oreille
IPNF
1
Priest River
Pend Oreille River
IPNF/IDL
0
Teepee Creek
North Fork Coeur d'Alene River
IPNF
3
Slate Creek
St. Joe River
IPNF
2
Mica Creek
St. Joe River
IPNF
1
North Fork St. Joe River
St. Joe River
IPNF
4
Orogrande Creek
North Fork Clearwater River
CNF
4
Crooked Fork
Lochsa River
CNF
5
Boulder Creek
Lochsa River
CNF
0
Squaw Creek
Lochsa River
CNF
1
Lolo Creek
Clearwater River
BLM/CNF
0
Bear Creek
Selway River
NPNF
2
Rapid River
Salmon River
NPNF
0
Bargamin Creek
Salmon River
NPNF
1
Camas Creek
Salmon River
SNF
0
North Fork Salmon River
Salmon River
SNF
1
Hayden Creek
includes Bear Valley Creek
Salmon River
SNF/PVT
0
Rio WmH Rivpr
Wnnrl River . .
PVT
n
IDL = Idaho Department of Lands, IPNF = Idaho Panhandle National Forests, BLM = Bureau of Land
Management, CNF = Clearwater National Forest, NPNF = Nez Perce National Forest, TNF = Targhee
National Forest, PVT = Private, SNF = Sawtooth National Forest.
29
Appendix A, Table 2, cont'd. Idaho streams where harlequin ducks have been observed or
reported, but breeding status is unknown.
Stream
Watershed
Primary
ownership1
No. surveys
conducted
McCoy Creek
Sulphur Bar Creek
Snake River (Palisades Reservoir) TNF
Snake River (Palisades Reservoir) TNF
3
0
TNF = Targhee National Forest.
30
Appendix A, Table 3. Partial list of potential harlequin duck breeding streams in Idaho.
Stream
Watershed
Primary
No. surveys
ownership
conducted
Trapper Creek
Priest Lake
IDL
0
North Fork East River
Priest River
IDL
0
Uleda Creek
Priest River
IDL
0
Trestle Creek
Lake Pend Oreille
IPNF
0
Pine Creek
Coeur d'Alene River
BLM
0
LaTour Creek
Bussel Creek
St. Joe River
IPNF
0
Ruby Creek
St. Joe River
IPNF
0
Fly Creek
St. Joe River
IPNF
0
Vanderbilt Creek
North Fork Clearwater River
CNF
Weitas Creek
North Fork Clearwater River
CNF
Warm Springs Creek
Lochsa River
CNF
0
Meadow Creek
Selway River
NPNF
Moose Creek
Selway River
NPNF
Whitecap Creek
Selway River
NPNF
2
Targhee Creek
Henry's Fork Snake River
TNF
Palisades Creek
S. Fork Snake River
TNF
CNF = Clearwater National Forest, IDL = Idaho Department of Lands, IPNF = Idaho Panhandle
National Forests, NPNF = Nez Perce National Forest, TNF = Targhee National Forest.
31
Appendix B, Table 1. Montana harlequin duck breeding and probable breeding occurrences,
1995.
Occurrence
Status
Rank
Watershed
Primary
ownership
Waterton River
B
CB
South Saskatchewan River
GNP
includes Kootenai Lakes
PRB
Boundary Creek
PRB
Olson Creek
B
St. Mary River (above Lake)
B
CB
St. Mary River
GNP
includes St. Mary River
PRB
Reynolds Creek
B
Red Eagle Creek
B
Rose Creek and Otokomi Lake
BU
Belly River
PRB
U
St. Mary River
GNP
Badger Creek
B
CB
South Marias River
LCNF
includes North Badger Creek
B
South Badger Creek
B
Birch Creek
B
CB
South Marias River
LCNF
includes Birch Creek
PRB
North Fork Birch Creek
PRB
Middle Fork Birch Creek
PRB
South Fork Birch Creek
B
South Fork Two Medicine River
B
D
South Marias River
LCNF
includes Summit Creek
BU
Two Medicine River
PRB
D
South Marias River
GNP,
includes Paradise Creek
PRB
BIR
North Fork Teton River
B
DC
Teton River
LCNF
Sun River
B
BA
Sun River
LCNF
includes Sun River
BU
North Fork Sun River
B
Biggs Creek
BU
Moose Creek
B
South Fork Sun River
B
Straight Creek
B
West Fork Sun River
B
Ahorn Creek
PRB
Woods Creek
BU
B = Breeding, PRB = Probable breeding, BU = Breeding status unknown.
A = 20+ pairs within a single occurrence, B = 5 - 19 pairs within the occurrence and a minimum of 10
pairs within the occurrence and other occurrences within 20 km, C = 3+ pairs within the occurrence; if
5+ pairs then < 10 pairs within the occurrence and other occurrences within 20 km.
D = 1-2 pairs, U = Unknown. Not enough data to place in a range of 2 categories.
BIR = Blackfoot Indian Reservation, GNP= Glacier National Park, LCNF = LewisClark National Forest.
32
Appendix B, Table 1, cont'd. Montana harlequin duck breeding and probable breeding
occurrences, 1995 .
Occurrence
Status
Rank
Watershed
Primary
ownership
Boulder River
B
CB
Yellowstone River
GNF
Lake Fork Rock Creek
PRB
DC
Clarks Fork Yellowstone
CNF
Big Creek
B
D
Kootenai River
KNF
Callahan Creek
B
D
Kootenai River
KNF
includes Callahan Creek
BU
North Fork Callahan Creek
B
Grave Creek
B
C
Kootenai River
KNF
Kootenai Falls
H
U
Kootenai River
KNF
Quartz Creek
B
D
Kootenai River
KNF
Wigwam River
PRB
U
Kootenai River
KNF
West Fork Yaak River
B
DC
Yaak River
KNF
Middle Fork Rock Creek
B
DC
Rock Creek
DNF
Big Creek
PRB
D
North Fork Flathead River
FNF
Upper North Fork Flathead River
B
BC
North Fork Flathead River
GNP, FNF
Includes Kishenehn Creek
B
Trail Creek
B
McDonald Creek
B
AB
Middle Fork Flathead
GNP, FNF
includes Avalanche Creek
B
River
Mineral Creek
B
Snyder Creek
PRB
Sprague Creek
BU
Fish Creek
PRB
Middle Fork Flathead R. (lower)
B
Middle Fork Flathead River
B
CD
Middle Fork Flathead
FNF, GNP
includes Bear Creek
BU
River
Ole Creek
BU
B = Breeding, PRB = Probable breeding, BU = Breeding status unknown.
A = 20+ pairs within a single occurrence, B = 5 - 19 pairs within the occurrence and a minimum of 10
pairs within the occurrence and other occurrences within 40 km, C = 3+ pairs within the occurrence; if
5+ pairs then < 10 pairs within the occurrence and other occurrences within 40 km.
D = 1-2 pairs, U = Unknown. Not enough data to place in a range of 2 categories.
CNF = National Forest, DNF = Deerlodge National Forest, FNF = Flathead National Forest, GNP=
Glacier National Park, KNF = Kootenai National Forest.
33
Appendix B, Table 1, cont'd. Montana harlequin duck breeding and probable breeding
occurrences, 1995 .
Occurrence
Status
Rank
Watershed
Primary
ownership
Upper South Fork Flathead River
B
BC
South Fork Flathead River
FNF
includes White River
B
Little Salmon Creek
B
Spotted Bear River
B
CD
South Fork Flathead River
FNF
Sullivan Creek
B
D
South Fork Flathead River
FNF
Wounded Buck Creek
B
D
South Fork Flathead River
FNF
Swift Creek
PRB
DC
Stillwater River (north)
MDSL
North Fork Blackfoot River
B
C
Blackfoot River
LNF
includes Dry Fork of North Fork Blackfoot
BU
East Fork North Fork Blackfoot
BU
Rattlesnake Creek
PRB
DC
Middle Clark Fork
LNF
Trout Creek
B
D
Middle Clark Fork
LNF
Elk Creek
PRB
D
Lower Clark Fork
KNF
Noxon
B
BA
Lower Clark Fork
KNF
includes Marten Creek
B
South Fork Marten Creek
B
South Branch Marten Creek
BU
McNeeley Creek
BU
Rock Creek
B
East Fork Rock
BU
West Fork Rock
BU
Swamp Creek
B
Vermilion River
B
B = Breeding, PRB = Probable breeding, BU = Breeding status unknown.
A = 20+ pairs within a single occurrence, B = 5 - 19 pairs within the occurrence and a minimum of 10
pairs within the occurrence and other occurrences within 40 km, C = 3+ pairs within the occurrence; if
5+ pairs then < 10 pairs within the occurrence and other occurrences within 40 km.
D = 1-2 pairs, U = Unknown. Not enough data to place in a range of 2 categories.
FNF = Flathead National Forest, MTSL= Montana Dept. of StateLands, KNF = Kootenai National Forest,
LNF = Lolo National Forest.
34
Appendix B, Table 2. Montana streams where harlequin ducks have been observed or
reported, but breeding status is unknown.
Stream
Watershed
Primary
No. surveys
ownership1
conducted
Otatso Creek
St. Mary River
GNP
0
includes Slide Lake
Cut Bank Creek
Cut Bank Creek
BIR
0
South Fork Teton River
Teton River
LCNF
3
Upper Madison River
Madison River
GNF
0
Elk Creek
Upper Yellowstone River
GNF
1
includes East Fork Elk Creek
West Fork Elk Creek
Mill Creek
Upper Yellowstone River
GNF
1
Sweet Grass Creek
Upper Yellowstone River
GNF
0
Rock Creek
Clarks Forks Yellowstone
CNF
0
includes West Fork Rock Creek
West Fork Stillwater
Stillwater River (south)
CNF
1
Lake Creek
Kootenai River
KNF
1
Seventeenmile Creek
Yaak River
KNF
5
Clearwater River
Blackfoot River
LNF
0
Willow Creek
Blackfoot River
HNF
0
Cache Creek
Middle Clark Fork
LNF
0
Twelvemile Creek
Middle Clark Fork
LNF
2
North Fork Flathead River
North Fork Flathead River
GNP, FNF
5
(south of Trail Creek)
Red Meadow Creek
North Fork Flathead River
FNF
3
Whale Creek
North Fork Flathead River
FNF
5
BIR = Blackfeet Indian Reservation, BNF = Bitterroot National Forest, CNF = Custer National Forest, FNF
= Flathead National Forest, GNF= Gallatin National Forest, GNP = Glacier National Park, KNF =
Kootenai National Forest, LCNF = Lewis Clark National Forest, LNF = Lolo National Forest.
35
Appendix B, Table 2 cont'd. Montana streams where harlequin ducks have been observed or
reported, but breeding status is unknown.
Stream
Watershed
Primary No. surveys
ownership1 conducted
Starvation Creek
Middle Fork Flathead River
sections between and above
known sites
Granite Creek
Lincoln Creek
Nyack Creek
Bunker Creek
South Fork Flathead River
includes sections above reservoir not
included in Appendix B, Table 1.
North Fork Flathead River
Middle Fork Flathead River
Middle Fork Flathead River
Middle Fork Flathead River
Middle Fork Flathead River
South Fork Flathead River
South Fork Flathead River
GNP
0
GNP, FNF
3
FNF
0
GNP
1
GNP
0
FNF
5
FNF
5
Jocko River
Lower Flathead River
FIR
0
Stillwater River
Stillwater River (northern)
MDSL
KNF
4
Bull River
Lower Clark Fork
KNF
1-3
upper streaches of major forks
Deep Creek
Lower Clark Fork
LNF
0
Fishtrap Creek
Lower Clark Fork
LNF
5
Graves Creek
Lower Clark Fork
LNF
9
White Pine Creek
Lower Clark Fork
KNF
1
BIR = Blackfeet Indian Reservation, BNF = Bitterroot National Forest, CNF = Custer National Forest, FNF
= Flathead National Forest, GNF= Gallatin National Forest, GNP = Glacier National Park, KNF =
Kootenai National Forest, LCNF = Lewis Clark National Forest, LNF = Lolo National Forest.
36
Appendix B. Table 3. Partial list of potential harlequin duck breeding streams in
Montana.
Stream
Watershed
Primary
No. surveys
ownership1
conducted
Sherburne River
St. Mary River
GNP
0
Middle Fork Teton River
Teton River
LCNF
0
Pattengail Creek
Wise River
BNF
0
West Fork Madison River
Madison River
GNF
l
Taylor Fork Gallatin River
Gallatin River
GNF
l
Upper Boulder River
Boulder River
DNF
0
Milk River (upper forks)
Milk River
BIR
0
West Fork Teton River
Teton River
LCNF
1
Dearborn River (& forks)
Dearborn/Missouri Rivers
LCNF
3
Forks of Boulder River
Upper Yellowstone River
GNF
2-4
Hellroaring Creek
Upper Yellowstone River
GNF
0
Slough Creek
Upper Yellowstone River
GNF
0
Big Creek
Upper Yellowstone River
GNF
1
Rock Creek
Upper Yellowstone River
GNF
0
Rosebud Creek
Stillwater River (south)
CNF
2
Stillwater River (& forks)
Stillwater River (south)
CNF
4
South Fork Callahan Creek
Kootenai River
KNF
4
Keeler Creek
Kootenai River
KNF
2
Fish Creek (& forks)
Middle Clark Fork River
LNF
0
Anaconda Creek
North Fork Flathead River
GNP
0
Bowman Creek
North Fork Flathead River
GNP
1
Camas Creek
North Fork Flathead River
GNP
0
Kintla Creek
North Fork Flathead River
GNP
2
BIR = Blackfeet Indian Reservation, BNF = Bitterroot National Forest, CNF = Custer National Forest, FNF
= Flathead National Forest, GNF= Gallatin National Forest, GNP = Glacier National Park, KNF =
Kootenai National Forest, LCNF = Lewis Clark National Forest, LNF = Lolo National Forest.
37
Appendix B. Table 3, cont'd. Partial list of potential harlequin duck breeding streams in
Montana.
Stream
Watershed
Primary
No.
surveys
ownership1
conducted
Quartz Creek
North Fork Flathead River
GNP
0
Coal Creek
Middle Fork Flathead River
GNP
0
Dolly Varden Creek
Middle Fork Flathead River
FNF
2
Morrison Creek
Middle Fork Flathead River
FNF
1
Park Creek
Middle Fork Flathead River
GNP
0
Schafer Creek
Middle Fork Flathead River
FNF
2
Bunker Creek
South Fork Flathead River
FNF
5
Trout Creek
Lower Clark Fork River
KNF
3
FNF = Flathead National Forest, GNP = Glacier National Park, KNF = Kootenai National Forest.
38
Appendix C, Table 1. Wyoming harlequin duck breeding and probable breeding
occurrences, 1995.
Stream
Status1
Rank2
Watershed
Primary
ownership3
Berry Creek
B
B
Snake River
GTNP
includes Moose Creek
B
Owl Creek
B
Cascade Creek
B
C
Snake River
GTNP
includes Leigh Creek
B
Moran Creek
BU
Granite Creek
B
Teton Creek
B
Teton River
TNF
Darby Creek
B
Teton River
TNF
Crandall Creek
B
D
Clarks Fork of the
SNF
includes N. Fork Crandall Creek
B
Yellowstone River
S. Fork Crandall Creek
B
Lake Creek
PRB
Torrey Creek
PRB
D
Wind River
SNF
includes West Torrey Creek
PRB
Yellowstone River
B
AB
Yellowstone River
YNP
includes Hellroaring Creek
B
Tower Creek
B
Lamar River
PRB
Soda Butte Creek
B
Gardner River
PRB
Mountain Ash Creek
B
D
Falls River
YNP
Pole Creek
B
D
Green River
BTNF
Fremont Creek
B
D
Green River
BTNF
B = Breeding, PRB = Probable breeding, BU = Breeding status unknown.
A = 20+ pairs within a single occurrence, B = 5 - 19 pairs within the occurrence and a minimum of 10 pairs
within the occurrence and other occurrences within 40 km, C = 3 + pairs within the occurrence; if 5 + pairs then
< 10 pairs within the occurrence and other occurrences within 40 km.
D = 1-2 pairs, U = Unknown. Not enough data to place in a range of 2 categories.
SNF = Shoshone National Forest, BTNF = Bridger-Teton National Forest, YNP = Yellowstone National
Park, GTNP = Grand Teton National Park
39
Appendix C, Table 2. Wyoming streams where harlequin ducks have been observed or reported but
breeding status is unknown.
Stream
Watershed
Primary
No. surveys
ownership1
conducted
Upper Wind River
Wind River
SNF
1
North Fork Shoshone River
Shoshone River
SNF
2
Muddy Creek
Clarks Fork of the
Yellowstone River
SNF
1
Rock Creek
Clarks Fork of the
Yellowstone River
BLM
1
South Fork Owl Creek
Big Horn River
SNF
1
Greybull River
Big Horn River
SNF
1
Pine Creek
Green River
BTNF
0
Greys River
Snake River
BTNF
0
Salt River
Snake River
BTNF
0
S. Fork Buffalo River
Snake River
BTNF
0
Upper Yellowstone River
Yellowstone River
BTNF/YNP
1 Partial
includes Thorofare Creek
Pacific Creek
-
Atlantic Creek
String Lake outlet
Snake River
GTNP
28
Upper Snake River
Snake River
GTNP/YNP
1 Partial
above Jackson Lake
Others2
YNP
BLM = Bureau of Land Management, BTNF = Bridger-Teton National Forest, GTNP = Grand Teton
National Park, SNF = Shoshone National Forest, YNP = Yellowstone National Park
Four additional streams are located within Yellowstone National Park but the locations are regarded as
sensitive information.
40
Appendix C, Table 3. Partial list of potential harlequin duck breeding streams in Wyoming.
Stream
Watershed
Primary
No. surveys
ownership1
conducted
Middle Fork Popo Agie River
Popo Agie River
SNF
North Fork Popo Agie River
Popo Agie River
SNF
Smith Lake Creek
Popo Agie River
SNF
0
Warm Spring Creek
Wind River
SNF
Jackey's Fork
Wind River
SNF
Dinwoody Creek
Wind River
SNF
West Dunoir Creek
Wind River
SNF
Brooks Lake Creek
Wind River
SNF
South Fork Shoshone River
Shoshone River
SNF
Grinnell Creek
Shoshone River
SNF
Bear Creek
Shoshone River
SNF
Eagle Creek
Shoshone River
SNF
Elk Fork
Shoshone River
SNF
Anderson Creek
Big Horn River
SNF
Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone
Clarks Fork of the
SNF
0
River
Yellowstone River
Closed Creek
Clark Fork
SNF
0
Timber Creek
Clark Fork
SNF
0
Buffalo Fork Snake River
Snake River
BTNF
includes North Fork
0
Soda Fork
0
Spread Creek
Snake River
BTNF
0
Flat Creek
Snake River
BTNF
0
Crystal Creek
Snake River
BTNF
0
1 - SNF= Shoshone National Forest, BTNF = Bridger-Teton National Forest, TNF = Targhee National Forest
2 - Seven streams located within Yellowstone National Park are considered potential habitat for harlequin ducks
but have not been surveyed yet.
41
Appendix C, Table 3, cont'd. Partial list of potential harlequin duck breeding streams in
Wyoming.
Stream
Watershed
Primary
No. surveys
ownership1
conducted
Slate Creek
Snake River
BTNF
0
Clear Creek
Snake River
BTNF
0
Cottonwood Creek
Snake River
BTNF
0
Fish Creek
Snake River
BTNF
includes N. Fork Fish Creek
0
S. Fork Fish Creek
0
Upper Gros Ventre River
Snake River
BTNF
0
Mosquito Creek
Snake River
BTNF
0
Cliff Creek
Hoback River
BTNF
0
Willow Creek
Hoback River
BTNF
0
Upper Hoback River
Hoback River
BTNF
0
Bailey Creek
Snake River
BTNF
0
Little Grey's River
Greys River
BTNF
0
Smith Fork
Smith Fork
BTNF
0
Hamms Fork
Hamms Fork
BTNF
0
Upper Green River
Green River
BTNF
0
New Fork River
Green River
BTNF
0
Boulder River
Green River
BTNF
0
Moose Creek
Teton River
TNF
1
South Leigh Creek
Teton River
TNF
4
Bitch Creek
Teton River
TNF
includes N. Fork Bitch Creek
4
S. Fork Bitch Creek
4
Badger Creek
Teton River
TNF
2
Others2
1 - SNF= Shoshone National Forest, BTNF = Bridger-Teton National Forest, TNF ■ Targhee National Forest
2 - Seven streams located within Yellowstone National Park are considered potential habitat for harlequin ducks
but have not been surveyed yet.
42
Appendix D, Table 1. Minimum number harlequin duck pairs on streams monitored in Idaho,
1989-1994 (Atkinson and Atkinson 1990, Atkinson 1991,Cassirer and Groves 1990, Cassirer
and Groves 1994, Cassirer 1995a, Cassirer 1995b, Maj and Whitfield 1995).
Stream
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Granite Creek (Priest Lake)
3
2
2
3
-
-
3
Gold Creek (Priest Lake)
-
2
2
4
-
-
1
Upper Priest River
-
4
2
3
-
-
-
Hughes Fork
-
5
4
2
-
-
1
Granite Creek
-
-
2
1
0
-
1
(L. Pend Oreille)
Gold Creek (L. Pend Oreille)
-
2
4
4
2
-
2
Moyie River
-
2
-
-
1
2
2
Smith Creek
-
0
-
-
-
0
-
Boundary Creek
-
0
-
-
1
0
-
Marble Creek
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
Big Elk Creek
1
2
0
-
-
-
1
Appendix D, Table 2. Minimum number harlequin duck pairs on streams monitored in Grand
Teton National Park, Wyoming 1985 - 1994 (Wallen 1987, 1991, unpubl. data).
Stream
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Upper Berry Creek
1
2
2
1
2
3
2
3
1
3
3
Upper Moose Creek
4
6
1
2
3
2
3
4
4
2
3
Berry/Moose Cr. Delta
5
3
3
2
2
1
2
4
2
2
4
Cascade Creek
3
2
1
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
1
Granite Creek
2
1
.
.
.
-
.
-
.
-
-
Total (Berry, Moose, Cascade,
13
13
7
7
9
8
8
13
9
9
11
and Delta)
43
Appendix D, Table 3. Minimum number harlequin duck pairs on streams monitored in Wyoming
outside Grand Teton National Park, 1989 - 1995 (Atkinson and Atkinson 1990, Atkinson 1991, Maj
and Whitfield 1995).
Stream
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Teton Creek
Darby Creek
-
1
1
1
0
-
-
-
0
0
Appendix D, Table 4. Minimum number harlequin duck pairs on streams monitored in Montana
outside Glacier National Park, 1988 - 1995). (Carlson 1990; Diamond and Finnegan 1993, 1994;
Fair man, Jones and Genter 1989; Fairman and Miller 1990; Gangemi 1991; Johnson 1991; Kerr
1989; Lee and Genter 1991; Markum 1990; Merz 1991; Miller 1988, 1989; Reichel and Genter 1993,
1994, 1995).
Stream
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
Marten Creek
21
21
21
5
5
5
5
5
Rock Creek
O1
1"
O1
l1
01
2
3
l1
Swamp Creek
0
2
2
2
2
2
1
3
Vermilion River
4
2
3
2
1
3
2
2
Trail Creek
-
01
5
5
4
6
4
6
Spotted Bear Creek
-
-
0'
3
2
1
3 .
2
Sullivan Creek
-
-
1'
2
2
0
2
2
Big Creek (Koocanusa)
-
0
1
-
-
0
0
0
Callahan Creek
-
1
1
-
-
0
-
1
Graves Creek (Fortine)
-
2
2
-
-
01
4
4
Little Salmon
-
-
-
1
2
-
1
-
Trout Creek (Superior)
-
1
1
-
0
0
-
0
White River
-
-
-
-
3
-
4
-
S. Fork Sun River
-
-
-
3
6
-
2
-
W. Fork Sun River
-
-
-
2
4
-
10
-
Badger Creek
-
-
-
1
4
4
-
3
Birch Creek
-
-
-
2
2
2'
-
7
Incomplete or poorly timed surveys.
44
Appendix D, Table 5. Minimum number of harlequin duck pairs on McDonald Creek, Glacier
National Park, Montana, 1974 - 1995 (Kuchel 1974, Ashley 1992, 1994a, 1994b).
Stream
1974
1975
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
McDonald Creek
11
14
41
14
41
17
12
212
1 Incomplete or poorly timed surveys.
2 Estimate from observations of marked birds, maximum of 12 pairs seen on a single survey.
45
APPENDIX E. INVENTORY AND MONITORING PROTOCOL FOR HARLEQUIN DUCKS
These inventory and monitoring guidelines are based on data collected in Idaho, Montana, and
Wyoming breeding areas. Breeding chronology of harlequin ducks varies by area, for instance harlequin
duck arrival and breeding activities in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming occur 2-4 weeks later than
in northern Idaho (Wallen 1987, Cassirer and Groves 1994). Therefore, this protocol is only specifically
applicable to the area it was developed, and other areas where similar breeding chronology has been
documented.
Monitoring
A rotational survey design (Skalski 1990, 1995) has been selected for monitoring harlequin duck
pair numbers and productivity in the U.S. Rocky Mountains. All harlequin duck breeding streams and
probable breeding streams that can reasonably be surveyed are incorporated in this survey design. Streams
currently of unknown status should be added to this list in the future if inventory efforts reveal they are
harlequin duck breeding streams. Selected "bellwether" streams are monitored on an annual basis (Table
1). These streams were selected based on relative accessibility, consistence of harlequin duck use, and
distribution throughout the Rocky Mountain breeding range. A minimum of 25% of the remaining
breeding or probable breeding streams in the subprovince (Table 2) are randomly selected and surveyed
on a rotational basis. Monitoring should be conducted whether or not any management activites are
scheduled in the area.
A population estimate is derived by combining the actual number observed during pair surveys on
the "bellwether" streams" and nonbellwether "rotational" streams. The number of pairs observed on the
"bellwether" streams is summed and the average number observed on the rotational streams is applied to
all remaining breeding or probable breeding streams (Skalski 1995).
NT = rNr+ (M- r)Np
where M = the total number of breeding streams.
N = the number of pairs observed.
r = the number of bellwether streams surveyed every year.
p = the number of nonbellwether (rotational) streams surveyed every year.
It should be noted, however, that this population estimate is an index, but likely underestimates the
true population size because of the observability of harlequin ducks (see pair surveys under survey
methodology).
Variance is estimated assuming a total count on the bellwether streams, and a variance estimate
for observations on the rotational streams.
Var (Nr) = (M - rf(llp-HM - r)S2
where
P A
^^(Npj-Np)
2
(P-J)
46
Inventory
Inventory should be conducted on streams where harlequin ducks have been observed but breeding
status is unknown and on streams which are potentially suitable harlequin duck habitat (see conservation
assessment), including those listed in Appendices B and D, Table 3. On streams where breeding status is
unknown, a minimum of 4 surveys, 3 of which are pair surveys, should be conducted over a period of 3
or more years prior to determining stream status. On streams which are potential habitat, but where no
ducks have been observed, at least 4 surveys should be conducted over 2 years, including at least 2 pair
surveys, prior to determing stream status. However, if a brood or nest is observed at any time during
surveys, the stream will be classified as a breeding stream.
Survey Methodology
Timing is critical for both inventory and monitoring surveys. Timing is probably the most
important factor in survey success. For this reason, most surveys must be conducted specifically for
harlequin ducks, rather than in combination with fish or other wildlife surveys. Survey are conducted
during two periods: spring pair surveys and summer brood surveys.
Pair surveys
In the northern Columbia Basin and Rocky Mountain Front subprovinces, spring pair surveys
should be conducted between 25 April and 25 May. In the Intermountain subprovince spring pair surveys
should be conducted between 5 May and 15 June. Although these are the periods when pairs are most
likely to be observed, even when conducted during this period, surveys underestimate the actual number
of pairs present by an average of 31 percent (Cassirer and Groves 1994). Because count accuracy can be
variable, at 2 surveys should be conducted during this period for monitoring purposes. The survey with
the highest number of ducks should be used for monitoring estimates.
Brood surveys
Brood surveys conducted for monitoring purposes should occur between 15 July and 5 August in
the northern Columbia Basin subprovince and between 1 August and 21 August in the Intermountain
subprovince. Although ducklings hatch several weeks prior to these dates in both subprovinces, because
of mortality rates typically occurring in young ducklings, surveys conducted during this period give a more
accurate estimate of ducklings fledged. Ducklings should be aged by plumage development (Fig. 1) during
brood surveys. Inventory surveys for presence only can be conducted as early as 1 July in the northern
Columbia Basin and as early as 15 July in the Intermountain subprovince.
Inventory surveys should cover the entire stream from 2nd- or 3rd-order headwaters to the mouth.
Inventory of this area should be conducted during the spring, and again during the summer, (or until ducks
are observed, whichever is first) for at least 2 years before determining stream status. Therefore, inventory
should be an ongoing program, not simply associated with proposed management activities.
47
'.
■i
Little specialized equipment is required for harlequin duck surveys. Some equipment that may be
useful is:
8 to 10 power waterproof binoculars
Felt-soled wading boots
Neoprene stocking foot chest waders
Surveys can be conducted during any weather and at any time of day. Surveyors should use
binoculars as much as practical, particularly in long, straight stream reaches. Harlequin ducks are
commonly observed sitting on instream rocks or on the streambank, swimming or feeding in the middle
of the stream, or paddling along the bank eddy. In the spring, the male is usually spotted first. Look
carefully for the female nearby, the white spot on the side of her head is usually her most conspicuous
feature. Both the male and female appear dark in flight, with no white markings on the underside of the
wings.
Surveys can be conducted on foot, by boat, or by driving next to the stream. Walking is the best
way to survey most streams. Walking surveys can be conducted in an up- or downstream direction. It is
easier to survey downstream, however the ducks will not swim as quickly upstream as they float
downstream, they are more observable when surveys are conducted going upstream. Also keep in mind
the direction of the sun; observability can be greatly reduced on surveys conducted in the direction of the
sun. If a road is available, use a crew of at least 2 people. Drop 1 person off at the beginning of the
survey reach, a second person drives to a midpoint, preferably where the truck is visible from the stream
or at a bridge or trail crossing, and walks to the end of the survey reach. After ducks are observed move
off the stream to walk around them. When surveys are conducted in a downstream direction, you can often
get closer to the ducks by making a wide circle around to get below them and approach from downstream.
Count on covering about 1 mile per hour in spring surveys and 1.5 miles per hour in summer surveys.
Because the ducks are mobile, enough people should be surveying to cover the entire stream in 1 day.
Boating is a very good way to survey, especially in the spring. Rafts or drift boats are best,
because 1 person can row while 1 or 2 passengers look for ducks. Fifteen to 20 miles of stream is a
reasonable distance to cover by boat in a day, but distance covered will vary with water conditions and
access. Kayaking is also a good survey method and may be the only way to cover some streams at certain
times of year. Depending on the stream and season, kayakers should be comfortable running class IV or
V water and should also be familiar with harlequin ducks. Inner tubes may be used in summer surveys
when the water is too low for boating but too deep or swift for walking. A wet suit or neoprene chest
waders are usually necessary when inner tubing, even in warm weather.
Driving surveys can be conducted by 2 people along roads that closely follow the stream. Drive
slowly with the observer in the passenger side of the vehicle next to the stream or in the back of a pickup.
Check areas where the stream is not in full view of the road on foot.
The spring pair survey period coincides with peak spring runoff in the Rocky Mountains.
Therefore walking surveys of all but the smallest streams will usually be conducted by hiking along the
streambank. Surveyors should be prepared for inclement weather and snow. If roads are not plowed,
snowmachines may be necessary to get to survey areas. Camping out may be required to cover the upper
reaches of some streams.
Streams will be relatively low during brood surveys and walking surveys can be conducted by
a combination of wading in the stream and walking along the bank. Felt-soled boots with neoprene socks
and wool socks are recommended for walking in the stream. Stocking foot chest waders with felt-soled
boots may be useful in cooler weather or higher water.
48
Data Collection
Record data on a standardized form (Table 3), and enter the information into a computer data base.
Please send copies of all inventory and monitoring data, even when no ducks are observed, as well as
observation reports to the appropriate Conservation Data Center or Natural Heritage Program.
49
i
I,
Class I Downy, no feathers visible
1A
IB
IC
Body roundedrneck
and Tail not prominent.
Age: 1-4 days
Down color fading.
Age: 5-8 days
Neck and tail
prominent. Gawky.
Age: 9-14 days.
Class II Partly feathered
IIA
First feathers. Less than
1/2 of side feathered.
Age: 15-25 days
1/2 or more of side feathered
Down on nape, back, or upper rump.
Age: 25-35 days
Class III Fully feathered, flightless
Age: 36-51 days
a
Down
Y/\ Feathers
Appendix E, Fig. 1. Guide to aging harlequin ducklings in the field (Cassirer and Groves 1994,
from diagram in Dimmick and Pelton 1994:173, after Gollop and Marshall 1954).
50
Appendix E, Table 1. Rocky .Mountain streams to monitor annually for harlequin ducks.
Stream
State1
Watershed
Primary
ownership2
Monitoring
group3
Gold Creek
ID
Lake Pend Oreille
IPNF
CB
Granite Creek
ID
Lake Pend Oreille
IPNF
CB
Granite Creek
ID
Priest River
IPNF
CB
Middle Fork East River
ID
Priest River
IPNF
CB
Moyie River
ID
Kootenai River
IPNF
CB
St. Joe River
ID
St. Joe River
IPNF
CB
Lochsa River
ID
Clearwater River River
CNF
CB
Trail Creek
MT
N. Fork Flathead River
FNF
CB
McDonald Creek
MT
Middle Fork Flathead R.
GNP
CB
Spotted Bear River
MT
S. Fork Flathead River
FNF
CB
Marten Creek
MT
Lower Clark Fork River
KNF
CB
Rock Creek
MT
Lower Clark Fork River
KNF
CB
S. Fork/ W. Fork Sun River,
Straight Creek, Ahorn Creek
MT
Sun River
LCNF
CB
Big Elk Creek
ID
Snake River (Palisades
Reservoir)
TNF
INT
Darby Creek
WY
Snake River (Palisades
Reservoir)
TNF
INT
Teton Creek
WY
Teton River
TNF
INT
Berry Creek
WY
Snake River (Jackson L.)
GTNP
INT
Moose Creek
WY
Snake River (Jackson L.)
GTNP
INT
Cascade Creek
WY
Snake River (Jackson L.)
GTNP
INT
Yellowstone River
WY
Yellowstone River
YNP
INT
Boulder River
MT
Upper Yellowstone River
GNF
INT
ID = Idaho, WY = Wyoming, MT = Montana.
IPNF = Idaho Panhandle National Forests, CNF = Clearwater National Forest, TNF = Targhee National Forest, LCNF = Lewis-
Clark National Forest, KNF = Kootenai National Forest, LNF = Lolo National Forest, FNF = Flathead National Forest, GNF =
Gallatin National Forest, GNP = Glacier National Park, GTNP = Grand Teton National Park, HNF = Helena National Forest
YNP = Yellowstone National Park.
CB = Columbia Basin, INT = Intermountain.
51
Appendix E, Table 2. Rocky Mountain streams to monitor on a rotational basis for harlequin ducks.
Stream
State1 Watershed
Primary
ownership2
Monitoring
grotJP3
Gold Creek, Priest L.
Upper Priest River
Hughes Fork
East Fork Lightning Creek
N. Fork Coeur d'Alene River
Marble Creek
Little N. Fork Clearwater R.
North Fork Clearwater River
Selway River
White Sands Creek
Long Canyon Creek
Smith Creek
N. Fork Big Creek
Granite Creek
Boundary Creek
Olson Creek
Waterton River
Kootenai Lakes
includes Olson Creek
Waterton River
S. end Waterton Lake
Belly River
Red Eagle Creek
North Fork Sun River
Moose Creek
ID
Upper Priest River
IPNF
CB
ID
Upper Priest River
IPNF
CB
ID
Upper Priest River
IPNF
CB
ID
Lake Pend Oreille
IPNF
CB
ID
N. Fork Coeur d'Alene R.
IPNF
CB
ID
St. Joe River
IPNF
CB
ID
N. Fork Clearwater River
IPNF
CB
ID
N. Fork Clearwater River
CNF
CB
ID
Clearwater River
NPNF
CB
ID
Lochsa River
CNF
CB
ID
Kootenai River
IPNF
CB
ID
Kootenai River
IPNF
CB
ID
Pahsimeroi River
CHNF
INT
WY
Snake River
GTNP
INT
MT
Waterton River
FNF
CB
MT
Waterton River
FNF
CB
MT
Waterton River
FNF
CB
MT
South Saskatchewan River
GNP
CB
MT
St. Mary River
MT
St. Mary River
MT
Sun River
MT
Sun River
GNP
CB
GNP
CB
LCNF
CB
LCNF
CB
ID = Idaho, WY = Wyoming, MT = Montana.
IPNF = Idaho Panhandle National Forests, CNF = Clearwater National Forest, TNF = Targhee National Forest, LCNF = Lewis-
Clark National Forest, KNF = Kootenai National Forest, LNF = Lolo National Forest, FNF = Flathead National Forest, GNF =
Gallatin National Forest, GNP = Glacier National Park, GTNP = Grand Teton National Park, HNF = Helena National Forest
YNP = Yellowstone National Park.
CB = Columbia Basin, INT = Intermountain.
52
Appendix E, Table 2, cont'd. Rocky Mountain streams to monitor on a rotational basis for
harlequin ducks.
Stream
State1
Watershed
Primary
ownership2
Monitoring
group3
Badger Creek
MT
South Marias River
LCNF
CB
Birch Creek
MT
South Marias River
LCNF
CB
South Fork Two Medicine River
MT
South Marias River
LCNF
CB
N. Fork Teton River
MT
Teton River
LCNF
CB
Lake Fork Rock Creek
MT
Clarks Fqrk Yellowstone R.
CNF
INT
Grave Creek
MT
Kootenai River
KNF
CB
Big Creek
MT
Kootenai River
KNF
CB
Callahan Creek
MT
Kootenai River
KNF
CB
Kootenai Falls
MT
Kootenai River
KNF
CB
Quartz Creek
MT
Kootenai River
KNF
CB
N. Fork Blackfoot River
MT
Blackfoot River
KNF
CB
Rattlesnake Creek
MT
Middle Clark Fork River
LNF
CB
Trout Creek
MT
Middle Clark Fork River
LNF
CB
Big Creek
MT
N. Fork Flathead River
FNF
CB
Kishenehn Creek
MT
N. Fork Flathead River
FNF
CB
Middle Fork Flathead R.
MT
Middle Fk. Flathead R.
FNF/GNP
CB
Little Salmon Creek
MT
S. Fork Flathead River
FNF
CB
S. Fork Flathead River
MT
S. Fork Flathead River
FNF
CB
White River
MT
S. Fork Flathead River
FNF
CB
Wounded Buck Creek
MT
S. Fork Flathead River
FNF
CB
Vermilion River
MT
Lower Clark Fork River
KNF
CB
Elk Creek
MT
Lower Clark Fork River
LNF
CB
Swamp Crppk
MT
T mvrr Hark Fnrk River
INF
CR
ID = Idaho, WY = Wyoming, MT = Montana.
IPNF ■ Idaho Panhandle National Forests, CNF = Clearwater National Forest, TNF = Targhee National Forest, LCNF = Lewis-
Clark National Forest, KNF = Kootenai National Forest, LNF = Lolo National Forest, FNF = Flathead National Forest, GNF =
Gallatin National Forest, GNP = Glacier National Park, GTNP = Grand Teton National Park, HNF = Helena National Forest
YNP = Yellowstone National Park.
CB = Columbia Basin, INT = Intermountain.
53
Appendix E, Table 3. Data form for harlequin duck surveys.
HARLEQUIN DUCK SURVEY FORM
Surveyors' names:
Address:
Date:
Stream name:
Start location:
End location:
Distance (km):
Time start:
Type of survey (walk, boat, drive):_
Observations/comments:
Time end:
Harlequin duck observations
Note: Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and several coastal states and provinces have marked harlequin ducks. Colored nasal markers on the bill, and colored, numbered, and
metal legbands on both legs are being used. Please check for marks on all harlequins and include a detailed description of any observed.
Time:
Number:
Location: UTMN
R
Activity /comments :
Sex:
UTME
Age class:
1/4
Time:
Number:
Location: UTMN
R
Activity /comments : _
Sex:
UTME
Age class:
1/4
Time:
Number:
Location: UTMN
R
Activity /comments :
Sex:
UTME
Age class:
1/4
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