Bird of the Week – Brandt’s Cormorant
We’ll finish up cormorants with the Brandt’s Cormorant. Unlike the other three, this species breeds only in North America, and reaches the northerly limit of its range at Kodiak Island.
Brandt’s Cormorant, St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
This species’ life history and populations are tied to the rich upwelling associated with deep upwelling currents like the California Current. Long-term monitoring of the population at Farallon Islands, California, the single largest colony of the species, has helped establish the relationship between breeding success and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which determines the timing and degree of nutrient-rich upwelling, and hence food availability.
It’s pretty easy to tell this species form the other cormorants: look for the yellow gular (throat) patch.
For more bird photos, please visit Frozen Feather Images.
Way to pick yer poison, birds. The Southern end of their range is patrolled by Jaws and various and sundry cousins. The Northern end is patrolled by the biggest freaking brown bears known to sup on humans and other lesser lights. Bravado or sheer stoopidity? Now I have to wonder about the photographer’s state of mind as well. 🙂