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For the next week, I will be posting pictures of cormorants – one per day – in this thread.

All of these photos are local to me, captured during my dog walks.

I may include facts about the species, the story behind the picture, or a quote from Carl Sagan.

Follow #CormorantWeek if you’re interested, and feel free to mute if you’re not.

More info in ALT.

@RSPB

#WildlifePhotography #Photography #Cormorant #Birds #BirdPhotography

🧵1/7

A picture of Layla - a local to me cormorant - perched on a log. The image showcases Layla’s sleek black feathers and distinctive yellow throat patch. The background is a blurred dark foliage. The name ‘Layla’ comes from what I recall as an Arabic word for “night.” I learned this term from my students over a year ago, and I hope I remember it correctly. Even if not, this beautiful individual will now be known as Layla.
#photography #birds #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #cormorantweek #cormorant @RSPB
This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Raff Karva

Raff Karva
Raff Karva
• •

Just like in my previous post, meet Leila (Arabic for ‘night’), who often - solitarily - hangs out where I take my dog for a swim.

Female and male cormorants look almost identical. In breeding pairs, males tend to have sturdier heads and bodies. Females often choose larger males (assortative pairing), but outside the nesting season, it can be hard to tell the genders apart.

Leila is thus in superposition, both X and Y until observed.

#CormorantWeek 🧵 2/7
#Wildlife #Birds #WildlifePhotography

A cormorant swimming in calm water, with outstretched wings and a reflective surface, surrounded by greenery.
#birds #wildlife #wildlifephotography #cormorantweek
This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
in reply to Raff Karva

Raff Karva
Raff Karva
• •

Since you're on Mastodon you probably know this: cormorants have non-waterproof feathers that absorb water, reducing buoyancy and allowing them to dive deeper and longer.

However, this also means they carry heavy plumage during flight, leading to their distinctive behavior of air drying their wings.

#CormorantWeek 🧵 3/7

#Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #Photography

A black cormorant stands on a log with its wings spread, showcasing iridescent feathers. The background features blurred foliage and water, creating a natural setting.
A cormorant with outstretched wings is perched on a log by water, showcasing its dark plumage and striking yellow and blue facial markings. The background features softly blurred water ripples.
#photography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #cormorantweek
in reply to Raff Karva

Raff Karva
Raff Karva
• •

“Cormorant” is a contraction probably derived from Latin corvus marinus, "sea raven".

"Sea raven" was the usual term for cormorants in Germanic languages until after the Middle Ages.

The belief that cormorants were related to ravens lasted at least to the 16th century.

In Northern European traditions spirits of those lost at sea come to visit their loved ones disguised as cormorants.

#CormorantWeek 🧵 4/7

#Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #Birds #BirdPhotography

A cormorant perched on a log, showcasing its glossy blue-black feathers and striking yellow and blue markings on its face. The background features soft, blurred water.
#birds #wildlife #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #cormorantweek
This entry was edited (3 weeks ago)
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