This proudly plumed Cormorant was looking for some attention, or at least some other Cormorant attention (it didn't hang around me for very long). When one is a lonely Cormorant and is looking for companionship, the best and most time-tested method for finding a mate is to grow spindly white plumes on the back and sides of one's head.
This makes one look distinguished, wise, and spunky--the perfect candidate for a
pater familias. It might be a widely believed fact that the European gentlemen of the late 1700s used the Double Crested Cormorant as an inspiration for their powdered wigs.
I love those plumes and those great colored eyes!
ReplyDeleteThey're cool. It's not a very crisp shot but there's nothing quite like a Cormorant eye.
DeleteI found a group of Cormorants at Colombus Park in Tucson and noticed the eye colors. Very interesting bird. They were hanging out with several Egrets and Herons.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very cosmopolitan gathering! They're interesting birds--kind of gross, but very cool nonetheless.
DeleteGreat capture of the Cormorant's beautifully displayed plume! Hope he finds a mate!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tammy. I don't know how any lady Cormorants could possibly resist him.
DeleteThey are surprisingly colorful. Those green eyes are striking!
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. I've read that, as far as birds go, Cormorants are kind of gross (smell really bad, have lots of parasites, etc.). All I can say is that from a proximal distance they're very striking birds, chiefly due to their sapphire eyes.
Deletegreat capture! I have actually never seen a the crest on these guys, guess my timing is off when visiting the shore.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a rare treat for me as well. Even at this stage in the year, a minority of them seem to have their plumes.
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