Harlequin Ducks

I saw a pair of Harlequin Ducks recently resting on my raft. These are among the most spectacular ducks. They have a number of bold markings giving them a very striking appearance. You know at once who they are! Perhaps only the Wood Duck is more impressive. The Wood Duck is one of the few ducks I have never seen here. I assume they prefer fresh water. I saw my first Harlequins many, many years ago on the Oregon Coast. My friend Warren, who is a very serious birder and has taught me much of what I know, took me to see them in a small bay near Newport, Oregon. I have searched for them ever since then and rarely been successful. This makes it all the more special to have my own Harlequins! I am delighted to have Harlequins as regular visitors. I have recorded seeing these ducks 17 times from 1991 to the present. And I have seen them many more times than that. There have been between 2 and 6 at a time and I have seen them October thru April. Harlequin Ducks are said to prefers strong currents and rocky shores so I am especially pleased to have some enjoying my calm bay. They eat mostly mollusks and can actually walk along the bottom to find food.
Source

Nehls, Harry B., Familiar Birds of the Northwest
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia