Double-crested Cormorant

by Mar 12, 2021News

Photos and story by Len Nelson

It is very rare to see a Double-crested Cormorant looking straight at you to appreciate why they are so named. A local bird that has an active colony nesting site in the trees on the far east side of Ellis Creek that is not in the viewing area of the public. When seen they will generally be flying at least a few hundred feet off the ground. Some facts: wing span 52”; body length 33” & 3.7 pounds in weight. In the last 2 years, they have had about 30 nests in their colony tree at Ellis Creek in the same trees that the Great Blue Heron & Great Egrets inhabit in the months beginning in mid-March through July.  They generally lay 3-4 eggs per nest. Both parents feed the chicks who can fledge after about 6 weeks.  They swim and dive and pursue fish, lizards, crawdads and even snakes. 

 

More Like This

Related Posts

High quality 2024 Wall Calendar is Here

High quality 2024 Wall Calendar is Here

With Len Nelson's gorgeous photography, we have ready for your purchase a high-quality 2024 wall calendar, for the modest price of $15, including postage.The photos all depict our Petaluma wetlands birds, and hopefully will rekindle moments of discovery and joy....

read more

Secrets of Oak Woodlands

Welcome to The Reading Nook! by David SandriJune, 2023 Hello and welcome to this month’s The Reading Nook – a monthly book review from our library, along with newsworthy items to do with nature. Let’s get right to the book – Spotlight Book of the Month – Secrets of...

read more

Let us know what you think…

Comments

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This