Sunday morning greeted me with the promise of adventure as I headed out to photograph shorebirds at a favorite location. However, upon arrival, my enthusiasm dimmed slightly—high tide greeted me, and I hadn’t yet mastered reading tide tables (a goal for another day). The area bustled with bird watchers, pets and their owners, and even kite flyers. With all this activity, I wondered if any wildlife would make an appearance.
My aunt, equipped with her new binoculars, was the first to spot movement. On one side of the point, she excitedly pointed out Harlequin Ducks—both a male and female—fishing and resting on the rocks. What a score! My excitement bubbled over as the male duck climbed out of the water and posed perfectly on a rock. His striking plumage glistened in the light, with bold blue and chestnut feathers accented by a striking white pattern around his face and body.
The female, though more subdued in her brown and gray tones, blended beautifully with the rocky shoreline. Harlequin Ducks are diving birds that thrive in turbulent waters, using their strong legs and wings to navigate rough currents while they forage for crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. Watching them here in the wild waves, it was clear they were in their element.
After capturing the shots I wanted, we noticed a Double-crested Cormorant fishing nearby. With each dive, he emerged chomping on some unseen prey, though I wasn’t quick enough to catch him mid-snack. I did, however, manage to capture a portrait. Typically, cormorants at this location stay far out on the water, so seeing one this close was a real treat. These birds are expert fishers, often diving up to 25 feet below the surface to catch fish. Their black feathers, which are less water-resistant than those of other birds, help them stay underwater longer. After a dive, cormorants can often be seen perching with their wings spread to dry—a characteristic pose that makes them easy to identify.
To my surprise, we then spotted a Common Cormorant—sleek and all-black, like a ninja—fishing around the rocks. The rushing tide seemed to stir up fish, providing an excellent hunting ground. It struck me how perfectly the conditions worked in their favor, as the incoming tide washed prey closer to the surface.
Between cormorant sightings, a little Barn Swallow zipped around me like a fighter jet. I jokingly asked him to stop and pose, and to my amazement, he landed on a nearby log, obliging just long enough for me to snap a few photos before taking off again. Wildlife is full of surprises!
Did you know?
Barn Swallows are aerial acrobats! These small birds are known for their incredible flying skills, darting and swooping to catch insects mid-air. They can travel up to 600 miles in a single day during migration and are capable of speeds up to 35 mph. Their long, forked tails not only make them elegant in flight but also help with precise maneuvering as they hunt.
As I turned back to the cormorants, a loud squawk drew my attention to a crow proudly holding a crab claw in its beak. It flew off with its prize as my aunt quipped, “Good luck with that—those shells are tough!” But we both knew crows are resourceful and likely to succeed.
Our focus shifted again to the Common Cormorant, who had his own drama unfolding. He hopped out of the water and chased a seagull off a prized rock. The gull squawked defiantly but eventually conceded.
Victory for the cormorant!
Just as I was about to call it a day, my aunt excitedly called out, binoculars in hand. She had spotted an entire squad of Harlequin Ducks swimming in like a well-coordinated army formation. Some ducks landed gracefully on a nearby rock, just as I had wished out loud moments earlier. I eagerly snapped away, capturing their beauty and the majesty of their presence.
The female Harlequin blended perfectly with the rocky surroundings, her muted colors contrasting the male’s bold plumage. Despite her subtlety, she was stunning in her own right.
I also caught some amusing moments as the ducks preened and bathed, seemingly unaware they had just emerged from the water. Harlequins are known for their meticulous grooming habits, which keep their dense plumage waterproof—a vital adaptation for life in cold, rough waters.
In the wild waves, where chaos dances with grace, the Harlequin Duck glides—a living masterpiece, reminding us that nature paints with its own vibrant palette.
After spending more time marveling at these incredible creatures, we circled back toward the car, spotting one last cormorant and a grumpy-looking seagull sharing a rock. This time, the cormorant seemed to have won the perch, while the seagull sulked in the water below. I couldn’t help but laugh at the dynamic.
Though the shorebirds I had hoped to see were absent, the morning was anything but disappointing. The Harlequin Ducks, cormorants, and unexpected encounters made the adventure truly special, reminding me once again of the joy and unpredictability of wildlife photography.
Protecting Coastal Shorelines for Wildlife
Our coastal shorelines are vital habitats for birds like Harlequin Ducks and cormorants, providing essential feeding and resting grounds. One simple action everyone can take to help preserve these areas is to participate in shoreline cleanups. Plastics, fishing lines, and other debris can entangle or harm birds, while pollution can disrupt the delicate ecosystems they rely on. Whether you join an organized cleanup or take a bag with you on your next walk, every little bit helps protect these incredible animals and their coastal habitats.
Outstanding closeups--this is the best blog yet! This is a real education into the natural habitat of so many different birds.