I should add to my previous posting that I think the question is still open
as to the function of the outstretched wings in cormorants. I personally am
not yet convinced that "drying" is the primary or only function. Any other
hypotheses out there? I've wondered if it could be a roost-territory signal.
Surely it's amenable to some combination of data-taking, species comparisons,
and inspired thought--maybe even experimentation.