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Harlequins at LeHardy Since my senior year in high school, when my teacher showed us a picture of harlequins for our bird picture presentation, I had always wanted to see these birds. Now four years later, I had the privilege to see them for the first time! They are my favorite ducks due to their awkward desire to sit on rocks out in the middle of rapids, their ability to swim in the harsh currents, and of course their beautiful, distinct pattern. I am thankful I got to see them at LeHardy Rapids before they flew away. They're only around for about a month or so out of the year.   Geotagged,Harlequin duck,Histrionicus histrionicus,LeHardy Rapids,Spring,United States,Yellowstone National Park Click/tap to enlarge

Harlequins at LeHardy

Since my senior year in high school, when my teacher showed us a picture of harlequins for our bird picture presentation, I had always wanted to see these birds. Now four years later, I had the privilege to see them for the first time! They are my favorite ducks due to their awkward desire to sit on rocks out in the middle of rapids, their ability to swim in the harsh currents, and of course their beautiful, distinct pattern. I am thankful I got to see them at LeHardy Rapids before they flew away. They're only around for about a month or so out of the year.

    comments (9)

  1. What are the odds? Directly after your photo in the general stream, is that of Travis:

    Drake Harlequin Duck A drake harlequin duck stands atop a rock in the middle of the Yellowstone River. It is quite strange where these birds choose to inhabit - there are usually several pairs observed each year in a section of the river called LeHardy Rapids, and as you can guess, it is a very fast section of river. These birds will jump in the water and are actually strong enough swimmers that they can swim up river against the strong current, foraging for aquatic macro invertebrates. Truly a beautiful bird. Captured in Yellowstone National Park.  Birds,Ducks,Geotagged,Harlequin duck,Histrionicus histrionicus,Spring,United States,Wyoming,Yellowstone National Park,waterfowl

    Both from the US, somewhat similar location and species, taken only 2 days apart and shared virtually simultaneously!
    Posted 10 years ago, modified 10 years ago
    1. Well as odds would have it, we are dating lol So we travel and take pictures of the same things quite a bit! He's the one that introduced me to Jugle Dragon last year. Posted 10 years ago, modified 10 years ago
    2. Well as odds would have it, we are dating lol So we travel and take pictures of the same things quite a bit! He's the one who got me into jungle dragon last year! Posted 10 years ago
      1. That's crazy. I actually wanted to make a snarky remark asking if you are his secret wife, but figured it would be somewhat inappropriate lol. How nice to have this shared hobby, best of luck to you both! Posted 10 years ago
        1. Haha! I would have laughed!!! Posted 10 years ago
        2. I had been wondering for some time now if anybody was putting it together! Posted 10 years ago
          1. First couple identified :) Posted 10 years ago
  2. Amazing! Posted 10 years ago
    1. Thank you Daniel!! Posted 10 years ago

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The harlequin duck is a small sea duck. It takes its name from Harlequin , a colourfully dressed character in Commedia dell'arte. The species name comes from the Latin word "histrio", "actor". In North America it is also known as lords and ladies. Other names include painted duck, totem pole duck, rock duck, glacier duck, mountain duck, white-eyed diver, squeaker and blue streak.

Similar species: Ducks, Geese, Etc.
Species identified by SaraBethWilliamson
View SaraBethWilliamson's profile

By SaraBethWilliamson

All rights reserved
Uploaded May 21, 2015. Captured May 16, 2015 19:35 in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA.
  • Canon EOS REBEL T1i
  • f/5.6
  • 1/395s
  • ISO400
  • 250mm