Harlequin Duck Assessment
Wickett MR. 1999. Harlequin Duck Assessment. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Wildlife Division Resource Assessment Section Bird Group
From the abstract: "This report provides an overview of the Harlequin Duck and its historical and current range, life history strategies, populations dynamics, and management practices. Tables are available for present vs. absence and some numbers along the coast of Maine. 'By the end of the 19th century, the eastern North American population of Harlequin Ducks was declining. This decline was especially noted in Maine's wintering population, with the species remaining common at only a few traditional sites along the eastern portion of Maine's coast. Maine supports a significant portion of the eastern North American population of Harleuqin Ducks during winter. However prior to 1995, a statewide estimate of Maine's wintering population of Harlequins was not available. In an initial attempt to quantify Maine's wintering population, at least 655 Harlequins were estimated wintering in Maine in February 1995; 86% occurred around Isle au Haut and surrounding islands in Jerricho and Penobscot Bays. Harlequins can be censused practically while flocks concentrate in traditional winter areas. There is a need to conduct regular surveys of Maine's coast during winter using a standardized methodology, with the objectives of more thoroughly delineating the coastwide distribution of Harlequin Ducks in Maine, monitoring population levels, and determining population trends. Harlequin Duck winter habitat is restricted to traditionally used rocky shorelines or exposed outcroppings that are consistently ice-free. These marine habitats are vulnerable to contamination by pollutants (i.e. oil) and disturbance by humans. Stability of Harlequin Duck populations is maintained through high adult survival. Continued winter surveys will aid in delineating areas in Maine used by Harlequins during winter or migration and identifiying primary areas of use that need protection from disturbance or degredation by oil polution. The Harlequin Duck is classified as a Threatened species in Maine.'" /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/SCHOODIC PENINSULA/ISLE AU HAUT/ISLANDS/
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Wickett, MaryEllen
- Date of Issue
- 1999-12-29
- Publisher
- Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Wildlife Division Resource Assessment Section Bird Group
- Units
- ACAD
- Keywords
- Distribution Inventory (Baseline), Islands, Isle Au Haut, Mount Desert Island, Population Density, Rare Species, Schoodic Peninsula, Threatened & Endangered Species, Water Birds