Beauty in the Turbulence – Harlequins!

My early morning walk in Kokanee Creek Provincial Park was beautiful today (as always!). I saw a beaver, Merlins, and a Great Blue Heron – just a few sightings on a great morning. And just at the end – a pair of Harlequin Ducks!

Harlequin Ducks are not a common sighting.  They nest near mountain streams, creeks and rivers and the males are indeed spectacular looking birds.  Histrionicus histrionicus – apparently the male is quite “histrionic” in his mating displays.  This pair, however, were quite calm – perched and preening in the stream.

Beautiful birds in a beautiful setting. I love the Kooteneys!

A pair of Harlequin Ducks

Female Harlequin Duck

A Male Harlequin Duck – spectacular plumage!

Histrionicus histrionicus

all photos and writing copyright J.A. Siderius 2014

Alistair Fraser has posted some superb pictures of these birds on his “Exploring Kootenay Lake” blog http://blog.kootenay-lake.ca/?p=10505 They are well worth checking out.