Double-crested Cormorant preening on a stump, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahDouble-crested Cormorant preening on a stump – Nikon D810, f10, 1/1000, ISO 400, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I spent the morning at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge yesterday and one of the birds I photographed the most was this resting Double-crested Cormorant. There aren’t many trees on the refuge so finding any bird on a stump is a treat for me, especially a stump as nicely weathered as this one is. The cormorant preened and rubbed its head over its back and wings several times.

Double-crested Cormorant resting on a stump, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahDouble-crested Cormorant resting on a stump – Nikon D810, f10, 1/1000, ISO 400, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Most of the time it was just resting on the stump in the warmth of the sun. I could see that the cormorant was shivering slightly and the temp was in the low 50’s at the time. It may have already gone fishing for its breakfast and was drying out after it consumed its prey. I love the emerald green eye color of Double-crested Cormorants. Here in Utah their eye color seems a bit more subdued than the cormorants I saw in Florida but they are still vibrant, sparkling and jewel-like.

Double-crested Cormorant on a stump, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahDouble-crested Cormorant on a stump – Nikon D810, f10, 1/1600, ISO 400, -1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I took just over 400 photos of this cormorant yesterday morning because it was so cooperative and didn’t fly off right away. Double-crested Cormorants are common here in Utah during the breeding season and are seen at the refuge frequently.

There were plenty of birds to be seen yesterday from the auto tour loop at the refuge including tiny grebe chicks riding on the backs of their parents, shorebirds, pelicans, herons and I even spotted two long-tailed weasels but I didn’t see them soon enough to photograph them as they ran down the road chasing each other. The refuge is busy and full of life this time of the year.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Double-crested Cormorant photos plus facts and information about this species.