South ForX of Marten Creek - Cabinet District (KNF) 



We observed a pair of harlequins approximately 1.5 miles up 

 the South Fork of Marten Creek on May 9. The week prior USES 

 personnel observed a pair and a lone male in the same vicinity. 

 Despite not locating any young during the brood surveys, we 

 suspect harlequins are nesting on the South Fork of Marten Creek. 

 The ducks may be located further upstream than we surveyed or we 

 could have overlooked ducks during the surveys. Additional 

 surveys to confirm nesting is recommended and investigations to 

 determine if nest loss is occurring and potential causes of 

 losses is needed. 



The lower South Fork of Marten is a braiding stream through 

 a willow-cottonwood-conifer bottom. Shrub density is medium and 

 beaver activity is apparent. Potential nesting and brood rearing 

 habitat is available. Gravel bars and debris piles are common. 



Vermilion River - Cabinet District (KNF) 



The Vermilion River continues to have the greatest known 

 density of harlequins within our survey area. It is a diverse 

 river characterized by a medium amount of braiding and shrub 

 cover and high amounts of beaver activity. Gravel beds, riffles, 

 and small gorges are present. 



Our first observation occurred on May 19, when we located a 

 pair of harlequins. On August 16, we observed 2 separate broods 

 each with 3 young and a group of 2 other ducks consisting of 1 

 juvenile and either a female or another juvenile. We located the 



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