Cormorant Colony. © Copyright 2023 G Dan Mitchell.
A Brandt’s cormorant colony on a rocky prominence at Point Lobos State Reserve.
I have been aware of California’s cormorants for years, but I have not photographed them much. I’m not sure why, except that they are often too far away or in rapid flight over the water. There are a few places at Point Lobos — and no doubt other coastal locations — where they establish colonies on outcroppings and islands like this one. Here they were close enough to the shore that I could photograph them with a long lens.
This is apparently a breeding colony. If you look closely you can see some slightly smaller birds with somewhat mottled feathers and shorter beaks — these are juveniles, waiting rather impatiently for a parent to come and deliver food.
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books, Amazon, and directly from G Dan Mitchell.
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