of what constitute viable harlequin populations; 3) develop 

 surveying protocols for actual and potential harlequin streams; 

 4) develop management guidelines for maintaining and restoring 

 harlequin populations and habitat. Goals for 1992 included: 1) 

 surveying additional streams for presence and status of 

 harlequins; 2) gathering productivity data on some primary 

 harlequin streams; and 3) marking as many individuals as possible 

 on selected streams for long-term monitoring. 



METHODS AND MATERIALS 



Harlequin ducks were surveyed on parts of the Kootenai, Flathead 

 and Lolo National Forests during May-August 1992. 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 

 large streams on the Flathead National Forest were surveyed by 

 kayak or raft. Dates, locations, km surveyed, and general 

 characteristics of the stream reaches surveyed were recorded; any 

 harlequins sighted were noted with location, numbers, ages, and 

 sex of birds present. For several streams in the Flathead and 

 Clark Fork drainages, we attempted to capture and mark all birds 

 seen, when a licensed, qualified birdbander was present on the 

 survey. Captured birds were identified to sex and age, weighed, 

 measured (wing and tail) , marked, and released. Except in 

 Glacier National Park, all birds were marked with numbered USFWS 

 aluminum leg bands and colored nasal discs, individually 



