Turbulent, icy cold waters is where you will find these small, brightly colored waterfowl called Harlequins ducks. The largest ducks are about 16″ from the tip of their tail to tip of their bill. In winter they choose the roughest northern coastal waters, but in summer they grace the wild, swirling LeHardy Rapids on the Yellowstone River to mate. The females will remain here raising the young through the summer, returning north in early autumn. These diving ducks feed on crustaceans, small fish, insects, and other assorted life they find as they swim underwater and even walk on the bottom searching the rocks for food. Studies have shown many adult Harlequins have had broken bones, probably a result of living in such rough surroundings. Welcome back Harlequins!
What beautiful birds. Great captures, Joy.
Thank you Jane. They are fun to watch!
I didn’t know any of that! Thanks for sharing your photos and some information to tuck away.
Thanks Natalie–I know fun facts really are fun!
As always, great pictures! Guess the males will be gone by the time I am in the park?
Not to worry Kathleen. We will still stop to see if any of them are slow to leave.