Hi,

at this time of the year, the 2 cormorant species occurring around here
are much easier to identify than in fall, because we don't have to rely
only on shape and size, but we have the additional cluse of coloured
patches. Guess that's to help us memorize their shape for the time
afterwards!
So, Pelagic Cormorant has a white patch AT THIS TIME, and a small red
throat pouch.
Double-crested: big, yellow throat, rest of body often not black, but
rather brown, even light brown.
Brandt's Cormorant: At this time, white whiskers, and some white feathers
on the back - I desperately need to look at some more to avoid mistakes in
fall.

Reto Riesen
Vancouver, B.C.
riesenr at chem.ubc.ca