Double-crested Cormorants look like danger. They ride low in the water, unlike other swimming birds.
You see one. Then it submerges, and you lose sight of it. Keep watching. It’ll surface somewhere else.
But, you won’t see much body; just a long, skinny neck.
Like a periscope.
Today, I watched a Double-crested Cormorant on a forest pond, diving for fish.
A fascinating, two-fisted hardass. It reminded me of a comic book cover from another generation.
I’ve written about these comics before.
Their name caught my eye for obvious reasons.
And speaking of names, this diving, hunting bird needs a better one.
Forget the double crests. They’re usually not visible.
And what does “cormorant” mean, anyway?
No, this bird should be called “The Submarine Bird.”
The cormorants are amazing birds full of surprises. Here’s a video of the Imperial Cormorant doing things that avian scientists had no idea they were capable of: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jZ4QAWKgBu4#! Submarine bird indeed!
I was shown, while visiting Florida earlier this year, just how badass cormorants are: one flew low next to our speedboat and beat us in a race at 30 mph! I agree about the name. And I’d love to get my hands on that book!