While spending a few mornings photographing wildlife at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, SC, this week, I've noticed the arrival of some winter birds along with more mature adults of species I already see pretty regularly.
One of the recent early arrivals is the Double-Crested Cormorant. This species is usually only seen in large numbers during the winter months here in the South. Typically between November and February are when the largest numbers of cormorants visit this area.
With the unseasonably lower temperatures in the Northeast this year and the early onset of winter in other parts of the country, a few of them have been hanging out at the park already and doing a little morning fishing. They were nice enough to stick close to th shore for easy photographing.
Some information about The Double-crested Cormorants:
The Double-crested Cormorant measures 28–35 inches in length, and is an all-black bird which gains a small double crest of black and white feathers during breeding season. This bird also has a bare patch of orange-yellow facial skin.
Double-crested Cormorants are found near rivers, lakes and along the coastline. They mainly eat fish and hunt by swimming and diving. Their feathers, like those of all cormorants, are not waterproof and the birds must spend time drying them out after being in the water.
The Double-crested Cormorant's numbers decreased in the 1960s due to the effects of DDT. Colonies have also been persecuted from time to time in areas where they are thought to compete with human fishing.
In recent years, the population of Double-crested Cormorants has increased. Some believe that the recovery was allowed by the decrease of contaminants, particularly the discontinued use of DDT. The population may have also increased because of aquaculture ponds in its southern wintering grounds. The ponds favor good over-winter survival and growth.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-crested_Cormorant
Thanks for viewing my photos of these water birds. They were fun to watch.
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Comments: 37
and the information on these double crusted cormorants made this photo essay #1
I know that "they're eating us out of business" attitude from commercial fisherman well. I had that conversation with a guy not too long ago while we were watching Cormorants fishing at high tide in Gooseneck Cove (I reported that conversation in this article).
As the Double-crested Cormorants are leaving these waters, we're getting an influx of Great Cormorants, who winter here every year. So we're never totally without Cormorants around here!
I haven't been to the park in a while, but it looks like I may go to a different area next week - not sure what if any birds they have yet.
:) wishing you laughter