Harlequin Duck Distribution
and Productivity in BC

Research on Sea Ducks

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This project is designed to address, on a regional scale, the factors that influence harlequin duck distribution and productivity in the southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia. This research provides the scientific background necessary to understand how variation in habitat (including that related to hydroelectric operations and other human activity) affects harlequin ducks, and prescribes concrete mitigation or restoration activities that would improve harlequin duck productivity. A primary objective of the research is to develop models describing the relationship between harlequin duck distribution and habitat attributes (for example, stream gradient, width, substrate, vegetation, prey availability, fish presence, etc) at a regional scale. pair of flying Harlequin ducks

In addition to the broad-scale description of patterns in harlequin duck distribution and productivity, we are addressing two specific mechanisms that we consider critically important for understanding how breeding habitat (and changes to that habitat) influence harlequin duck productivity:

  • Does foraging on breeding streams constitute an important part of the energy and nutrients required for clutch formation?
  • Does fish abundance influence the availability of harlequin duck invertebrate prey (through either effects on invertebrate abundance or behavior)?

Answers to these questions will provide insight into links between food, tropic interactions, and subsequent harlequin duck productivity.
CWE Researchers on this project:
Dan Esler
Jeanine Bond
Sunny Lebourdais
Ron Ydenberg
Sam Iverson
Ramunas Žydelis
Ken Wright

Research Partners:
Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band
BC Hydro Fish and Wildlife Bridge Coastal Restoration Project

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