We passed this Pelagic Cormorant family (Phalacrocorax pelagicus) on one of the few isolated nesting spots near Vancouver Island (British Columbia). We were told that in the 1990s, rampant shoreline development eliminated important habitat for the cormorants. This rock island was one of a few ecological reserves the B.C. government set aside for the cormorants’ breeding and nesting needs. They share the rock with Double-crested Cormorants — and, of course, gulls who can be significant predators of cormorant eggs and young chicks.
Pelagic Cormorants with Young - ©ingridtaylar
Double-Crested Cormorant Crowd - ©ingridtaylar
Double-Crested Cormorants (and one Oystercatcher) at Rest - ©ingridtaylar
I love the cormorants 😀 Watching the interactions between them can be quite amusing and they are master fishermen 😀
Travis, there’s a ship canal that links Puget Sound to the lakes here in Seattle. Later in the season, the Double-crested Cormorants will be roosting in the trees along the banks. It’s just awesome to watch them swoop in and make their landings as the sun goes down. Are you seeing many around Vancouver?