Harlequin Ducks in Yellowstone NP

Wildlife

Jun 7

When we planned our trip to Montana/Wyoming in early May there were a few things we expected. We expected to see bison, maybe coyotes, beautiful scenery, and hoped for bears and other animals. We expected the weather to be chilly. And, we planned to stay in a comfortable hotel, eat good meals, and DRIVE A LOT! We didn’t expect to see Harlequin Ducks in Yellowstone NP. Thanks to our guide, we did!

Honestly, we were not really familiar with the specialness of this experience until afterwards. It was pouring down rain, well, slush, and it was cold. But, we were willing to give photographing them a try at the encouragement of Chris Daniels, our guide. He seemed pretty enthusiastic about them, so why not?

male duck on the LeHardy Rapids, Yellowstone NP

This is what the Audubon has to say about these gorgeous birds.

“Turbulent northern waters are favored by this strikingly patterned little duck. It is often found in summer on rushing rivers, diving and swimming against the current, climbing easily on steep and slippery rocks above the water. When moving inland, pairs of Harlequins usually fly low, following every bend of the river rather than taking overland shortcuts. In winter, seems to choose the roughest coastal water, with rocks pounded by the surf. Studies show that many adult Harlequins have had broken bones, probably a result of their rough surroundings.”

I can testify to the above! See video below!

Rainy, slushy day at the LeHardy Rapids in Yellowstone NP. Perfect for photographing harlequin ducks.

We set up offshore of the LeHardy Rapids, and stayed for about an hour. It rained, it slushed, and I think it even snowed a bit. Somehow, we neglected to bring raincoats for us, nor rain hoods for our cameras. (Well, Chris knew to wear a raincoat.) However, we all survived as did our cameras, and had a wonderful time photographing these beautiful birds. It was really quite exhilarating.

harlequin-ducks-©NadeenFlynnPhotography-8.jpg

harlequin-ducks-©NadeenFlynnPhotography-2.jpg

harlequin-ducks-©NadeenFlynnPhotography-3.jpg

harlequin-ducks-©NadeenFlynnPhotography-4.jpg

harlequin-ducks-©NadeenFlynnPhotography-5.jpg

harlequin-ducks-©NadeenFlynnPhotography-6.jpg

harlequin-ducks-©NadeenFlynnPhotography-7.jpg

harlequin-ducks-©NadeenFlynnPhotography-9.jpg

The females certainly had something to say!

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Use the Search option below.

More wild birds.

Common Loons of British Columbia, Part 2

Common loons, known for their haunting calls and striking black-and-white plumage, are iconic waterbirds found in North America. Their fascinating behaviors during the breeding season, particularly in caring for their chicks, offer a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of avian family life. Unfortunately for me, we do not have many loons in Northern California near where I live.

Loons of British Columbia

From the first time I heard the call of loons on a nature program on TV, I was captivated! The calls of the loons seem a bit forlorn, mysterious, and a somewhat haunting. I wanted to see, hear, and photograph them in person. British Columbia was just the place!

Ospreys Nesting on a Power Pole Perch

Nesting on power poles might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about birds building their homes, but for ospreys, it's a common occurrence that showcases their adaptability and resilience in the face of changing environments.

Amazing Harlequin Ducks in Yellowstone NP

When we planned our trip to Montana/Wyoming in early May there were a few things we expected. We expected to see bison, maybe coyotes, beautiful scenery, and hoped for bears and other animals. We expected the weather to be chilly. And, we planned to stay in a comfortable hotel, eat good meals, and DRIVE A LOT! We didn’t expect to see the amazing Harlequin Ducks in Yellowstone NP. Thanks to our guide, we did!

Egrets’ Courting Ritual | Northern California Fine Art Photographer

There is a small greenbelt area in the center of a little town near where I live. As I was driving down the Main Street, I noticed a rookery in a large tree near the center of the greenbelt. It was full of great egrets and great blue herons as well as a few other smaller birds. I was so surprised to see them, but they have apparently adapted to city life. When I returned a few days later I was able to capture the snowy egrets’ courting ritual and nest building.

Sandhill Cranes in the Valley | Nature in Northern California

As my interests evolved in photography subjects, I became interested in wildlife and, ultimately, birds. Because birds are everywhere, they are just such a great subject. Each year during the winter there are thousands of sandhill cranes in the valley who over-winter here.

Waterfowl at the National Wildlife Refuge

I had high hopes for practicing some techniques I had recently reviewed for photographing waterfowl. With my equipment, a towel to sit on, and my coffee, it was an exciting prospect to achieve the images for which I was so hopeful.

Harlequin Ducks in Yellowstone NP

When we planned our trip to Montana/Wyoming in early May there were a few things we expected. We expected to see bison, maybe coyotes, beautiful scenery, and hoped for bears and other animals. We expected the weather to be chilly. And, we planned to stay in a comfortable hotel, eat good meals, and DRIVE A LOT! We didn’t expect to see amazing Harlequin Ducks in Yellowstone NP. Thanks to our guide, we did!

White Faced Ibis | Local Waterfowl

With the changing seasons, birds are migrating through the Pacific Flyway here in Northern California. There are some waterfowl who hang around all year and feed in the flooded rice fields. Once such species is the white faced ibis.

Great Gray Owls of Alberta

The roads were icy, the air was freezing, and there was snow everywhere. We arrived in Calgary just after their first major snow storm of the season. In the early morning hours while it was still dark, our guide picked us up and we were on our way to find, see, and photograph the Great Gray Owls of Alberta that live in the forests an hour or so outside of Calgary.

Love at the Lake

It’s mating season for the Mute swans and they perform a very elegant mating ritual which we wanted to photograph. We had gotten to our destination at daybreak when the geese, swans, and other wildlife seemed to be just waking up. It was quite calm and peaceful without much activity.

Sandhill Cranes | Nature in Northern California

I enjoy shooting multiple genres. So a couple of years ago, I began learning to shoot wildlife - mainly birds. The Sandhill Cranes are one of the species that occupy our area during the late fall and winter. Armed with only a brief description the location in which I might find them, I headed out very early to locate and photograph them. It's hard to find birds, even very large birds, when it is still dark. But, I did.

Birds of Prey in January 2022

The new year arrived with so many birds in January 2022. When the weather becomes cold and foggy or rainy, getting out for landscape photography is a little more difficult. So, I look for other things to shoot. In the Sacramento Valley, we are in the heart of the Pacific Fly Zone, so there's an abundance of migrating waterfowl. There are also lots of birds of prey.

More Birds in January 2022 Week 2

So Many Birds in January 2022

Examples of a variety of wild birds photographed during a 365 2020 photography project.

White Faced Ibis

Click here for the discount code to apply for ClickPro.

Join other advanced photographers who are recognized for their technical and creative work. Membership perks include membership to Click Community, over 1000 tutorials, photographer’s directory listing, subscription to Click Magazine, contribute to the Daily Project, bonus entry to VOICE, and so much more! To learn more, go to Click Pro HERE. To apply, use the link above.

* * * * * * *

As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape, nature, and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities including workshops and photography mentoring. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.

Please CONTACT ME with any questions or to schedule your learning session.

Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.

(530) 633-7575

Featured

Join Nature Photographers Network to gain a wealth of support for your photography, quality critique, and strong visuals for learning.

When you purchase directly from Breakthrough Photography, there’s a 300 day return policy with no restocking fees, free shipping and 0% tax. Does it get any better? Click on the icon above see these fantastic filters.

Salt-Creek©NadeenFlynnPhotography-7632.jpg

SHOP for just the perfect fine art print to showcase in your home or in your office. Prints make wonderful gifts as well.

Screen-Shot-2019-07-06-at-4.56.26-PM.png

You can learn the foundations of controlling your camera in manual mode with my informative, beautifully illustrated guide Ready! Set! Shoot! available through The Book Patch as a printed booklet or an instantly downloadable eBook.