Fernie's Beautiful Harlequins

Every spring around the end of the ski season special birds arrive in Fernie. The Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus is a small, relatively uncommon sea duck. It gets its English name from characters in Italian comedy that wear masks and have oddly painted costumes. The colourful male, or drake, is one of the most attractive of sea ducks. At an average weight of less than 700 g for males and less than 600 g for females, the species is roughly half the size of an average Mallard.

Photo Tip: Watch for harlequins at the mouth of Coal Creek and at the margins of gravel bars in the Elk River. If you manage to get close enough to get a portrait, be patient enough to wait until the duck turns his head, catching the spot of light in his eye,: it makes a huge difference in the photo.