Early Friday morning I spotted this Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) at Horn Pond in Woburn, Massachusetts. Although the bird’s facial features were in the shadows, I was happy to be able to capture its distinctive hooked beak in this silhouetted view.
As many of you know, I try to find opportunities to capture nature images even when I am traveling. On Thursday I drove from Virginia to Massachusetts to attend a surprise 60th birthday party on Friday evening for one of my brothers. Although I was somewhat worn out from the drive, which took almost 12 hours thanks to numerous road construction projects and rush hour traffic in Boston, I was out on the trails of Horn Pond by 6:30 in the morning. In many ways immersing myself in nature helps to recharge my batteries as much as sleep does.
A few seconds after I spotted the cormorant, it sensed my presence and flew away. I was anticipating that it might do so and was able to capture this shot just as the bird was starting to take off.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
The graceful form describes a perfect curve. Very nice.
I like the mix of reflection and disturbance in the water. You’re a determined fellow.. kudos.
Love early morning, when I can muster myself up. There’s that tranquility, and freshness to the air – and the oppertunity to see, and (particularly in your case,) capture the peaceful local wildlife so well in your photography. M 🙂
Thanks. Even when I don’t go out with my camera, I enjoy starting my day early, usually with my coffee and the hard copy Washington Post.
Ahh yes, The Washington Post. I spent quite a few long nights at the SE plant, usually followed by exploring the monuments and parks, and wonderful museums during the day, (usually with little sleep,) as tech rep and accounts mgr of a major printing ink supplier. Fond memories. M:)
Refresh, renew, regenerate!