DCCO not a GRCO

 For those so inclined, I have used the bird abbreviations for Double-crested Cormorant and Great Cormorant. Abbreviations are frequently used on our bird discussion group, and they always make me blink. I have to think a little harder to figure out what bird is being reported. I just checked the link to bird abbreviations on this web site and see that it no longer exists. Will update that soon.

 This great Double-crested Cormorant has been hanging out in a somewhat secluded area of Quidi Vidi Lake. Tucked in among the shrubs at the Virginia River outflow, it would be easy to miss this one.

 Nevertheless, the regular walkers have been keeping an eye on it. As I stood to watch it, nearly every walker that passed by looked to see if it was still there.

 QV Lake has attracted numerous cormorants, both DDCO and GRCO, over the years. It makes for a good opportunity to study these two species. At this time of the year the GRCO is very dark with a white patch at the base of its bill and a white patch on its thigh.

I find the cormorant to be an odd bird in shape and overall appearance, especially when it flairs its wings wide to dry out. Unfortunately, the cormorants are not friends of fishermen. Just read recently about the anglers around the Great Lakes lobbying the government to shoot the DCCO as a means of wildlife management. The cormorant has also been deemed a detriment to the vegetation around the area. It is unfortunate. So far, the cormorants have found a safe haven in Newfoundland.