Cormorant is finally looking up and around again

Explore Apr 3, 2011 #172

See this large on black! www.flickr.com/photos/jungle_mama/5585227367/#/photos/jun...

Check out the black foot that is supporting all of its weight. Strange how solid it looks here and how curled up like a rose it was in a previous shot. And finally she is looking up and around again, silently shouting, Oh you're still there!

What a moment! This Cormorant landed on the rail next to me and seemed to enjoy having me record the most intimate moments of its preening. What a privilege it was to be up so close and personal! Its movements almost seemed flirtatious as it preened and posed for me!

Cormorants and Anhingas are frequently confused. They are both black birds that dive under the water to catch fish. Both dry their feathers in the sun.

But there are other differences that are easy to see. The Anhinga's beak is pointed for spearing fish, while the Cormorant's beak is hooked for grasping its prey as you can above. The Cormorant's body remains above the surface when swimming. It lacks the Anhinga's slender snake-like neck, long tail and white wing feathers.

There are many types of Cormorants worldwide. The one in Florida is called the Double-crested Cormorant because of the small tufts of feathers that appear on the head during the breeding season.

In the Far East, the Cormorant's fishing ability is harnessed by man. The owner of a flock of Cormorants places metal rings around the birds' necks and puts them on leashes. Each bird is released from a small boat and dives to catch fish. The ring prevents the bird from swallowing. Bird and fish are reeled in together and the fish confiscated. After a number of fish are caught, the ring is remove and the Cormorant is allowed to fish for his own dinner.

Unlike Cormorants and most other water birds, Anhingas do not have oil glands for waterproofing their feathers. When they swim, their feathers get wet. This helps them dive and chase fish under water. But, above water again, they must spread their wings and dry them in the sun. They can still fly with wet wings but far less efficiently.

Double-crested Cormorant
Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Delray Beach, FL
For more, see my set Wetlands and their Inhabitants
www.flickr.com/photos/jungle_mama/sets/72157625997954564/...
www.susanfordcollins.com

Taken in: United States / Florida / Delray Beach (show map)

Taken on: March 26, 2011

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Camera: Nikon D50, f/5.6, 1/500 sec, 95mm (=142mm) (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D50
Aperture:	f/5.6
Exposure Time:	0.002 sec (1/500)
Focal Length:	95mm (35mm equivalent: 142mm)
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	No Flash
Exposure Program:	Not Defined
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Microsoft Windows Photo Viewer 6.1.7600.16385
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