Most of the birds that I spotted last Thursday at a small pond seemed to be part of a small flock or at least of a couple. This Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), however, appeared to be the only one of its species. It mostly hung out with a flock of gulls, floating along on the surface of the water.
I observed the cormorant off and on for over an hour and not once did it dive underwater. Most cormorants that I have seen in the past have either been diving or drying out their wings.
Perhaps this cormorant felt the need to feel like it was part of a group, although it clearly stood out from the other members of its chosen group. I personally would agree that conformity is overrated—be yourself. (Speaking of non-conformity, be sure to check out the cormorant’s striking blue eyes.)
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Interesting to know, it didn’t take a dip nearly for an hour..
It was a lazy afternoon. Many of the ducks appeared to be taking naps.
Winter lazy😊
I like seeing cormorants with their wings spread out, they look like bat signals.
I had that same thought the first time that I saw one with wings spread. It was shocking to learn of a water bird whose wings were not waterproof.
Nice Mike! They are fun to photograph! Especially if they come up with a fish!
I like the details in the pattern of its feathers. Great photo.