Bird Watching: A Fledgling Cormorant?, 1 by Jax4ever

Jax4ever wrote:
Hi All!
I'm new to this forum, but not to Dave's or birding.

This little guy was perching on a branch over my pond (fresh water) all morning. I was watching him preen. Evenually, he took off and sailed right into a pine tree that was over my head...!!! Those big wings got tangled in the branches; he fell out an plopped down on the ground right in front of me! I fumbled for the camera as he came right up to me- fearless! I took 2 shots, neither are perfect. (I was as flustered as the bird!) I'll post the second shot, too, it's blurry but you see more of his plumage.

His/her markings and lack of crest makes me think he's a juvenile cormorant- but which species?

Eventually, Jax, my kitten, saw the bird and came running. The bird flew out over the pond, swam a bit, and returned to his perch on the branch, where he is still posing and preening! I wish I had a telephoto lens.