individual. 



The harlequin was amazingly difficult to see even at close 

 range as it blended perfectly with the color and size of the 

 prevalent stream rocks. The bird, fully feathered, looked 

 similar to an adult female except it's white facial patches were 

 less distinguishable and the body size appeared slightly smaller. 

 The duck's inattentive behavior and lack of concern for our 

 presence further suggested to us that it was a juvenile. We did 

 not observe the bird attempting to fly and therefore were unsure 

 if it was capable of flight. The lone sighting of a fully 

 feathered juvenile in late August suggested to us that migration 

 was imminent and the hen and perhaps other brood members had 

 already departed. 



The main stem of Big Creek is characterized by numerous 

 instream rocks, boulders and a forested stream side. Beaver 

 ponds, stream braids and side channels, more abundant further up 

 the South Fork and it's east and west branches, provide numerous 

 nesting and brood rearing opportunities. Additionally, the 

 roadless nature of the east and west branches provide the 

 seclusion desirable for productive populations. 



Even though historic sightings of harlequins on Big Creek 

 are limited; one adult observed at mouth in spring of 1988, Big 

 Creek has always been considered harlequin duck habitat. We 

 believe harlequins were probably present but not observed at the 

 time due to the difficulty of seeing them. 



26 



