Each Mother’s Day we head to Yellowstone to spend time with Harlequin Ducks. It is an overcast day, but no rain so all is well. These amazing diving ducks grace us by breeding in wild LeHardy Rapids of the Yellowstone River, one of only a few places they visit in the lower 48 states. We have talked of them before, so let’s just enjoy our time with them.
There are about 10 pair and some unattached males, ever hopeful, and young females that were born here. Females return to their river of birth each year to mate and the males follow. The pairs are not mated for life, but tend to select the same mate for many years.
LeHardy Rapids may seem like a holiday since these Harlequins live and hunt underwater in the roughest ocean coastlines of the Pacific.
He sees us . . .
A little restful time in the more peaceful shallows of the river’s edge.
So great to visit for three hours. We might want to come back to attempt seeing the females and young since they are here until mid September. Otherwise, see you next May Harlequins!
