I am down in Fox Point, Wisconsin from Duluth to meet my new grandchild (#7). I decided to take some time this morning and drive over to the Broughton Drive jetties in Sheboygan. I had heard there were two Harlequin Ducks in this area, including a mature male. Once, seven years ago in Duluth I saw a female … not near as pretty. After several passes walking back and forth along the jetties without seeing the Harlequins amongst hundreds and hundreds of mallards, guess who came swimming right up to the shoreline and allowed me to watch them feed from about 15 yards?!
These ducks don’t belong in my sandbox! Take a look at their range. There are Harlequins which breed in British Columbia and Alaska, and basically winter in the same area. Some of their cousins call Greenland home summer and winter, and finally there is a population in extreme northern Quebec (read Arctic tundra) which winters in the Atlantic waters off the Canadian Martimes down through Maryland.
Harlequin Duck (video link for email subscribers)
Excellent photos! It’s been a treat to see them occasionally in Grand Marais, after years of seeing them wintering in New England.
I had noted that a Harlequin or two had been hanging out in the Grand Marais harbor. Had thought about a drive up the shore!
Those are just terrific photos! What a special present for you during this season…along, of course, with a new grand child! I was born and raised not far from wonderful FOX POINT! So fun to see it referenced. And i often drove thru Sheboygan where my husband’s relatives lived in the early 1900’s. We went cemetery hunting there on the way to my parents cabin in Lakewood WI. Have a healthy new year! Sal strand
Congratulations on your new grandson! The Harlquin Duck is so beautiful it looks like a bold painting. Thank you for these beautiful shots you send. Happy Bew Year!
The photos are wonderful and what a great experience for you!
What a wonderful, unexpected siting.