The stream was also described with reference to stream bed 

 composition, logjams, slow backwater areas, temperature, and 

 associated species. Montana Natural Heritage Program field forms 

 were completed for each stream surveyed. 



When broods were observed, I estimated the age of the chicks 

 from plumage development (Gallop and Marshall 1954) . Hatching 

 dates were estimated by backdating from the date of the 

 observation. 



RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 



From May through August 1990, I concentrated surveys on 20 

 streams on the Flathead National Forest in northwest Montana with 

 at least 2 visits to each stream (Table 1) . Numerous other 

 streams throughout the study area were examined to evaluate their 

 potential for harlequin duck habitat. These streams were not 

 surveyed further. I determined they did not meet harlequin duck 

 habitat criteria, usually because they were either too small or 

 the gradient was too high. 



Four of the creeks surveyed were located on the Tally Lake 

 Ranger District, six on the Glacier View Ranger District, six on 

 the Hungry Horse Ranger District, and four on the Spotted Bear 

 Ranger District. Fifteen observations of harlequin ducks were 

 made by myself and USFS personnel (Table 2.). 



The low number of harlequin observations precludes any 

 meaningful statistical analysis of the data. The information 

 delineating harlequin duck distribution on the Flathead National 



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