Pelicans and Cormorant–Trouble Makers Everywhere

What a surprise–American White Pelicans! Walking to a favorite local lake to see the waterfowl passing along our bird migration flyway. This was an unexpected delight. One of the largest birds in North America, it has a wing span of 9 to 10 feet, only outdone by the California Condor, endangered but making a comeback.

We see four pelicans flying high above and circling down to land. Finding a quiet spot, it is time to preen and rest, but wait. What is that bird at right? A juvenile Double-crested Cormorant. That seems strange, but maybe not.

The gregarious white pelicans breed in huge colonies in a limited number of places, but these cormorants form breeding colonies near water in many places, even within pelican colonies. Perhaps this young cormorant–obvious by its whitish neck and chest–grew up around pelicans so feels quite at home.

Ooops, looks like a skirmish is starting. We have a trouble maker, and his companions have almost had enough . . .

Uh-oh, looks like “eviction” is imminent. The big male at right has the final say.

Oh no, trouble maker turned bully . . .

I guess we have bullies in all shapes, sizes, and species. Calm returns, but the trouble maker/bully appears to have attitude. What do you think?

The juvenile is leaving the area. He/she won’t be an adult until age 3. Double-crested Cormorant adults are matte black/brown, have crests only during breeding season (usually black but white in Alaska), and . . .

. . . have gorgeous aquamarine to green eyes, sparkling like jewels against dark feathers and yellow-orange facial skin.

Double-crested are the only cormorants that spend time or live inland near fresh water. They can be seen across the entire country, although only migrants in some states. Easily recognized as they stand on rocks, docks, or channel markers with wings half spread to dry. Cormorants have less preening oil than most birds, so their feathers get soaked. Apparently having less oil helps with agility and speed as they swim and hunt underwater for fish, their primary food.

Didn’t see the cormorant again, but the pelicans seem to be over their spat, enjoying a leisurely “stroll” around the lake. Notice the “horn” on the pelican bill, about 2/3 down? It isn’t really a horn, but a fibrous growth that breeding adults grow then shed after the eggs are laid or they fail to mate. People who live near breeding grounds have shared that after the birds leave, you can easily collect many shed horns. Now there’s a different and unique collection.

Right now it appears there is peace in the camp. Gliding along holding up their wings to dry and keep a bit cooler in the warm sun. Soon they will be off, continuing their journey north to breeding grounds. What a special encounter this beautiful May morning!

I hope you find a few of nature’s surprises in your neck of the woods. Until next time . . .