Yesterday I spotted this beautiful Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) in the vegetation along the shore of the Potomac River as I explored Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve in Alexandria, Virginia. Although “heavy-boned” is a euphemism sometimes used for large people, it is literally true for cormorants and is one of the reasons why they ride so low in the water. Additionally, their feathers don’t shed water like those of ducks and can get waterlogged, which makes it easier to dive deeper, but requires them to dry them out periodically.
I hoped to catch a cormorant with its wings extended for drying, but none of the cormorants I saw were accommodating in that regard yesterday. I’m no psychic, but I foresee a return trip to that area in the near future.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Good for you! Not everyone would call a cormorant “beautiful,” but I happen to think they’re quite attractive birds, and they certainly are interesting. I get to see them drying their feathers on nearly a daily basis. It’s one of the hidden side benefits of working in a marina. 🙂
I love the orange coloration and from when the light is right, their eyes appear to be a beautiful shade of blue. For me, it is a rare treat to see a cormorant–it must be really cool to see them almost every day.
This one looks quite proud and contented. I love the contrast of the blue water in the background, and the green plant life surrounding the cormorant.
Thanks. I was actually surprised to see the cormorant among the vegetation, but it sure did make for a nice contrast with the bright blue water.
I see cormorants along the San Lorenzo River here in Santa Cruz. When they’re perched on a log with their wings spread out they look like Bat Signals.
As someone who grew up on Batman, I like the idea of bat signals everywhere. 🙂
(Adam West voice) I agree, ol’ chum.
I saw a lot of website but I think this one has something special in it.
Thanks, Winston.