|
|
|
Double-crested Cormorant
 |
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a North American member of the cormorant family of seabirds.
Breeding occurs in coastal areas as well as near inland rivers and lakes. They build stick nests in trees, on cliff edges, or on the ground on suitable islands. They are gregarious birds usually found in colonies, often with other aquatic birds, and have a deep, guttural grunt.
Food can be found in the sea, freshwater lakes, and rivers. Like all cormorants, the Double-crested dives to find its prey. It mainly eats fish, but will sometimes also eat amphibians and crustaceans.
The Double-crested Cormorant is a large black bird 74–91 cm (29"–36") long, with a wingspan up to 132 cm (52"). It has a long tail and a yellow throat-patch, and can appear to have a green sheen in certain lighting.
The Double-crested Cormorant swims low in the water, often with just its neck and head visible, and dives from the surface. It uses its feet for propulsion and is able to dive to a depth of 1.5–7.5 m (5–25 feet) for 30–70 seconds. After diving, it spends long periods standing with its wings outstretched to allow them to dry, since they are not fully waterproofed.
The quality of this photo is poor due to the fact that I was shooting directly into the sun despite having on a lens hood. |
diverjohn has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
| Discussions |
| None | | You must be logged in to start a discussion. |
|
Not too bad.
Could be improved by cropping in various ways.
I posted a workshop with one idea.
![Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 28 W: 5 N: 140]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-g.gif){kind=small}
![Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 35 W: 36 N: 73]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-s-g.gif){kind=small}
