March 2023 Program – Investigating Non-Invasive Survey Methods for Studying the Harlequin Duck

Presented by Holli Holmes

Holli collecting eDNA – Photo provided by Holli Holmes

One glance at a Harlequin Duck (HADU) and even non-birders know they’ve seen something special. HADU are whitewater specialists and one of the hardiest sea ducks there are. They spend eight months of the year along the costs of sub-arctic and arctic regions then migrate to fast moving, whitewater mountain streams to breed. Montana and Idaho are the southern extent of their breeding range and biologists and land managers in the region have struggled to get their finger on the pulse of how HADU populations are doing, due to the ruggedness of their habitat.

In a large-scale collaborative effort, University of Montana master’s student and Glacier National Park wildlife technician, Holli Holmes, is working with land managers across Montana and Idaho to investigate three, non-invasive survey methods for studying HADU with the goal of laying the basis for building a new region-wide monitoring program. 

For those coming to the meeting, on March 13th, we’ll meet in Room 26 of the Gateway Mall (United Way building) at 7 PM. This room is on the east side of the building along Glenwood Rd in Kalispell. Look for our banner hanging outside. 

For those joining virtually, check your Pileated Post for the link or email us at info@flatheadaudubon.org for the link. You should eventually be let into a “waiting room” where you will then be added to the meeting by the host. Please sign in with your name when you enter the room so we know to admit you. You will be muted when you first join the meeting. You can use your computer’s microphone and speakers (most computers have both, whether you see them or not), and this is the preferred way to join.