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. 



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