METHODS 



Information on potential and past harlecruin duck, occurrences was 

 obtained through District biologists. Streams that had previous duck 

 sitings and potential habitat based on past studies (Wall en and 

 Groves 1989, Kuchel 1977) were given priority for field surveys. 



Elements indicating potential harlequin duck brood rearing include: 



1 . Low streeun gradient 



2. Braided or meandering stream reaches 



3. Relative high and stable stream flow volume 



4. High quality riparian shrub component ... vegetated 



gravel bars and overhanging vegetation 



5. High aquatic insect populations 



6. Presence of log/woody debris jams 



7. Presence of beaver activity 



Spring occurrence surveys for breeding pairs were conducted by 

 hiking along stream reaches not observable from roads, and by 

 driving roads along stream reaches, searching for harlequin ducks 

 with binoculars. 



Summer brood surveys for females with broods were conducted by 

 wading upstream selected low gradient streeim reaches. The Yaak and 

 Kootenai Rivers were surveyed by a combination of hiking, floating, 

 and driving roads . 



Observations of harlequin ducks and information on streams surveyed 

 were recorded on MT.NHP Animal Survey Forms. Data collected included 

 date, time, weather, temperature, and biotic & abiotic features 

 of the site (vegetation, elevation, sex, age, and number observed) . 

 Information collected on streams where no harlequin ducks were 

 observed included date, weather, stream flow data, miles of stream 

 surveyed, time spent, and associated animal species observed. 



Maps of the KNF indicating stream reaches surveyed were prepared 

 and are included with this report. 



RESULTS 

 -2- 



