I was close to calling off my evening hike along the ocean because the weather was looking a bit iffy, wow, am I glad I stayed with the original plan. Once again we were amazed and delighted by the sights and sounds of nature. About midway through the hike we came upon five Harlequin ducks, three drakes and two hens. Harlequins are sea ducks that live in the mountains, banding studies have documented the ducks' extensive travels--some harlequins winter along the British Columbia coast and nest in the Rocky Mountains.

While many of North America's 35 duck species prosper, harlequin numbers appear to be declining. Weighing only a pound and a half, a harlequin is barely half the size of a wild mallard. The hen is cloaked in subdued browns, but the drake's flashy colors remind me of some of the  showiest in the waterfowl world like the wood duck. Although classified as sea ducks, these mariners migrate each spring and inland to breed. The Pacific harlequin is the only duck in the world that divides its time between sea and mountains. Harlequin society is matriarchal, with adult females returning, salmonlike, to their natal streams to reproduce. A harlequin pair may remain together for years, apparently with great loyalty. I hope I get to see these little guys again.