SUMMARY 



A survey for harlequin ducks was conducted on streams in the 

 drainages of the North, South, and Middle Forks of the Flathead 

 River and streams in the Swan River drainage on the Flathead 

 National Forest from May through August, 1990. Initial stream 

 surveys were conducted from early May through late June and were 

 repeated from mid-July through mid-August. Stream flow rates were 

 measured and stream physical characteristics were recorded for all 

 streams surveyed during the second survey period. Harlequin ducks 

 were found on 2 streams surveyed during the first period and on 4 

 streams surveyed during the second period. Occupied streams were 

 predominantly braided and canyon type channels. Occupied stream 

 gradients ranged from .013 on Big Creek to .020 on Wounded Buck 

 Creek and stream flow rates ranged from 76 cfs on Sullivan Creek to 

 124 cfs on Swift Creek. Seven pairs of harlequin ducks were located 

 during the first surveys. Three single females: 1 female with 4 

 young, 1 female with 2 young and an unattended brood of 4 young 

 harlequin ducks were located during the later surveys. Harlequin 

 ducks were observed by other individuals on two of the same streams 

 I had previously observed harlequin ducks on. One report of a 

 female harlequin and 4 young on the Middle Fork of the Flathead 

 River was also received. 



