METHODS AND MATERIALS 



Harlequin Ducks were surveyed on parts of the Kootenai, Helena, Custer, Flathead, and 

 Lolo National Forests and on the Stillwater State Forest during May-August 1995 (see Appendix 

 C). Data sheets used are shown in Appendix A. We also marked birds in Glacier National Park; 

 surveys there were conducted primarily by Park Service personnel (Ashley 1994a, 1994b). Most 

 surveys were conducted by walking the stream channel (when possible) or stream bank. In most 

 cases, the surveyor walked upstream, giving more time to observe the bird before it moved out of 

 sight. Some larger streams were surveyed partially or completely by kayak. Dates, locations, 

 distance surveyed, and general characteristics of the stream reaches surveyed were recorded; any 

 Location, numbers, ages, and sex of all Harlequins seen was recorded, as were habitat 

 characteristics of the site. For streams in the Flathead and Clark Fork drainages, we attempted to 

 capture and mark all birds seen when a licensed, qualified bird-bander was present on the survey 

 (Reichel, Center, or Hendricks). Captured birds were sexed, aged, weighed, measured (wing 

 cord and tail), marked, and released. Except in Glacier National Park, all adult birds were 

 marked with numbered USFWS aluminum leg bands and with colored nasal discs, which are 

 individually recognizable by shape and color combination. Adults only in Glacier National Park, 

 and all juveniles, were banded with a USFWS aluminum band and with a blue, plastic leg band 

 with 2 white alpha-alpha or alpha-numeric characters. 



SURVEYS AND BANDING 



MONTANA SURVEYS - 1995 



In 1995, Harlequin Duck pair surveys were conducted on 329 km of 22 streams, yielding 

 a minimum of 37cf and 23?. Brood surveys were conducted on 371 km of 23 streams yielding a 

 minimum of 16?, 40 juveniles, and 2 unknowns. 



Kootenai National Forest. Pair surveys were conducted along 1 63 km of 1 1 streams 

 during April-May 1995 (Appendix C). A minimum of 29 Harlequins (19 males, 10 females) 

 vere seen on 6 streams (Appendix C). These included Callahan Creek (la"). Grave Creek (4 

 pairs). Marten Creek (3 pairs plus 3c^), Rock Creek (2o"), Swamp Creek (3 pairs plus 1<^), and 

 tiie Vermilion River (3cf). No birds were seen on Quartz Creek, the Kootenai River at Kootenai 

 Falls, or Big Creek (Koocanusa) though birds had bred there previously (see DISTRIBUTION - 

 HISTORICAL CHANGES). 



Brood surveys were conducted along 190 km of 13 streams during July 1995 (Appendix 

 C). A minimum of 49 different Harlequin Ducks were observed on 6 streams (Appendix C). 

 Callahan Creek had 1 ? present. Grave Creek had 2? present with broods of 1 and 4 chicks; 2 

 unknowns were also seen. Marten Creek had 4? present with 2 broods of 5 and 6 chicks. Rock 

 Creek had 1 ? present with a brood of 5 chicks. Swamp Creek had 2 ? present, each with a brood 

 of 5 chicks. The Vermilion River had a minimum of 3 ? present with 2 broods of 3 and 2 chicks; 

 additionally, a female and her brood marked the previous day on Marten Creek were also seen 

 (see MOVEMENT - ON THE BREEDING GROUNDS). Breeding was noted for the first time 

 on the West Fork of the Yaak River where 1 ? had a brood of 2. 



Helena National Forest. Pair surveys were conducted along 56 km of 3 streams during 

 May 1995 (Appendix C). No Harlequin Ducks were observed on any stream (Appendix C); 



