When the light is coming from the right direction and a Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is fairly close, you can catch a glimpse of the bird’s stunning turquoise eyes. Yesterday I was fortunate to spot a cormorant perched on a concrete bar that sticks out of a retention pond in a nearby neighborhood. The cormorant was fairly close to the shore, which meant that I was able to capture some detailed images of the striking bird.
The first image is a simply a crop of the second image that really highlights the cormorant’s eyes. The orange skin on its face really makes those eyes “pop.” The cormorant twisted its body from side to side, stretching its long neck, before finally slipping into the water, as you can see in the final photo. This is the view that I am most accustomed to during my wildlife adventures, though normally the cormorant is a lot farther away from me.
These photos are proof that it is not always necessary to travel to a wildlife refuge to see wildlife—this pond is only about a mile (1.6 km) or so from my suburban townhouse.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Not only the gorgeous eye color, but the interesting ring surrounding the eye. Muscles? Something holding whatever you call that clear covering some birds have so they can see underwater while still protecting their eyes? Whatever. Cool shots! Thanks!
Thanks. You pose some fascinating questions, Cindy. I did notice the ring around the eye, but did not think about what its purpose. Cormorants do spend a lot of time diving for prey, so it is probably a good guess that it is somehow related to seeing underwater.
They do have the most beautiful eyes! Well captured in your photos.
Thanks. I gave photographed cormorants quite a few times and only rarely have I been able to show the blue eyes of a cormorant as well as I did in these photo.
I tried substituting “Cormorant Eyes” for “Bette Davis Eyes” but it didn’t work very well.
Reckon I’ll stick to enjoying wonderful photos like yours of those wonderful eyes instead!
Thanks, Wally. The Elton John song “Blue Eyes, Baby’s Got Blue Eyes” was the one that came to mind for me. 🙂
Beautiful shots, Mike and yes those eyes are striking!
Thanks, Chris.