Waterfowl

Harlequin duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

A striking sea duck of rocky shorelines and jetties. Harlequins winter along Bellingham Bay and Semiahmoo Bay, then move to fast mountain rivers to breed.

Seasonality

Peaks across 4 months. Most common on saltwater from October through April; a few non-breeding birds stay along the shore in summer.

Behavior

Feeds in rough water close to rocks, diving for crabs, snails and other invertebrates.
Usually seen in pairs or small groups that haul out on rocks at high tide.
Pairs form in winter, so courtship displays are common from January on.

Photography tips

Overcast light keeps the bold white markings from clipping against the dark plumage.
Photograph from shore at the birds' level with a long lens while they rest on rocks.
Use a fast shutter for birds bobbing in the surf, and wait for them to surface with prey.

Field ethics

Give resting birds space on the rocks; hauling out matters in cold water.
Watch your footing on wet rocks and jetties, and never turn your back on the waves.

Harlequin duck

Seasonality

Behavior

Photography tips

Field ethics

Where to look

Harlequin duck

Seasonality

Behavior

Photography tips

Field ethics

Where to look