I went to Port Orchard to see if the Horned Grebes were in breeding plumage yet, but on this visit I only saw a single grebe and it wasn’t in breeding colors yet. In fact, there were remarkably few birds in the marina. Most of the seabirds that overwinter there seemed to have left for their breeding grounds. Luckily, Pelagic Cormorants are year-round residents, and it’s rare that I visit Port Orchard without seeing one.
Usually, they seem largely indifferent to people and to the camera, apparently willingly posing.
If they do think you are too close they will dive and emerge 100 yards away.
On this visit, though I got a demonstration of their ability to fly away when they want to. This Pelagic Cormorant suddenly leapt out of the water
made one big hop
and catapulted
into the air
before settling down less than 50 yards away, calmly watching me as I took several more shots.
In checking the spelling of its name in Birds of the Puget Sound Region I found the following: Did you know? Pelagic cormorants can leap directly from the water into flight. Other cormorants must run along the surface to gain takeoff speed.
It’s always nice when a book’s author confirms what you’ve just learned.
That sequence almost makes it look a live video feed, big fun! I particularly like the second shot, with initial lift-off and its feet churning up the water, those wings in full-forward and that determined look on his face. He is goin’ places!
Actually, it was the second photo that inspired the sequence. I love the action in it.
Beautiful sequence of photos. Love that you were able to see this, photograph it, and share it with us.