Double-crested Cormorant

Field Notes

These diving birds are a common sight near large bodies of water, and when there is enough of them they will construct large nests called rookeries. Due to the acidity of their excrement, and their tendency to overfish in ponds, Cormorants are often considered a pest animal. The first time I saw one it was diving along the perimeter of the Central Park Resevoir. I was blown away by its appearance, I thought it looked like some prehistoric Duck.