Subject: cormorant roosts, etc.
Date: Jun 13 16:23:51 1996
From: Phil Hotlen - n8540420 at henson.cc.wwu.edu


Bellingham has lots of Double-Crested Cormorants (no surprise, mostly
seen in salt water areas. However, last winter, February 14 and 19
(8:30-9:45 a.m.), I had occasion to be at Bloedel-Donovan Park at the
northern end of Lake Whatcom (fresh water). Just off the boat launch
site there are a number of old pilings from yesteryear. Both mornings
saw this species using them for perches, and with the typical spread-
wing posture. There were only a few birds on each occasion, but more
were out fishing.

According to Terry Wahl's new book: Birds of Whatcom County, which has an
extensive writeup on cormorant roosts, etc., these inland-foraging
cormorants roost in the north end of Bellingham Bay. On the 14th,
there was "pea soup" fog conditions. These birds must have flown in
hardly able to see their beak in front of them. Anyway, it looks like his
book would be a great reference for Whatcom County cormorant-watching.

p.s.
I was there for an Anthropology(!) lab assignment to sharpen observational
skills by observing some critter or other out in the field. I chose to do
Amer. Coots because they were convenient at that time of year.

Phil Hotlen<n8540420 at henson.cc.wwu.edu>