It is always exciting and a relief to see the first harlequins of the season. The harlequin duck gets its name from the decorated appearance of the male harlequin, because it resembles the colorful costumes worn by "harlequins", who were people dressed as clowns. The male duck has dark, blue plumage, highlighted in black-outlined white striping and spots of white. Its wing-tips are brownish black and its flanks are chestnut-red. The female duck is not as colorful as the male but nevertheless adorable. They are very buoyant and expert swimmers. It was a beautiful morning watching their frolic while sitting on the slippery rocks as the Atlantic crashed just below. Sure wish they were closer but I wanted to share these most beautiful sea ducks.
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