A visit to a local sanctuary led to a stunning surprise—the presence of Double-Crested Cormorants. I had always assumed these birds were strictly shoreline dwellers, yet here they were, perched on docks in the heart of the city, drying their wings in the crisp air. It was a mesmerizing sight, one I never expected to find in an urban freshwater setting.
Double-Crested Cormorants are fascinating birds. Named for the wispy tufts of feathers that appear on their heads during breeding season, they are expert divers, using their webbed feet to propel themselves underwater in search of fish. Unlike many waterfowl, cormorants lack the oil glands that waterproof other birds’ feathers, which is why they must spread their wings to dry after diving. This posture—wings outstretched, statuesque and still—gives them an almost mythical presence, as if they are ancient guardians of the water.
As I stood by the lake, I was in awe. The overcast sky cast a moody light, but the cormorants’ eyes shone like turquoise jewels, an unexpected pop of brilliance against their dark, intricate plumage. Up close, each feather on their back appeared etched in black, perfectly layered over their deep chocolate-brown bodies. Their bright yellow-orange beaks contrasted sharply, adding to their striking appearance.
I lifted my camera, watching as they stretched their wings wide, standing like sentinels against the grey water. It felt as though they were posing for me, but I knew better—it was a necessary ritual, one that allowed them to stay light and agile for their next dive.
While I marveled at these birds, I couldn’t help but notice the contrast between my own wonder and the casual indifference of those around me. People passed by, engaged in conversation, enjoying the sanctuary in their own way. I wondered how many of them truly noticed these incredible birds. It’s easy to move through nature as a backdrop, but to pause, to truly see, is to witness something magical.
Someone's watching me...
As I wandered through the sanctuary, the fall colors came alive in unexpected ways—not just in the trees, but in the intricate hues of moss, lichen, and twisting branches. Some clung like tiny starfish to bark, others resembled fuzzy little creatures nestled against the wood. Their jewel-like colors—emerald greens, golden yellows, and rusty oranges—added another layer of wonder to the landscape, a hidden vibrancy often overlooked in the grander spectacle of fall foliage.
After soaking in the moment, I made one last stop before heading home. At another park, a small pond revealed another treasure—a Male Hooded Merganser, his bold black-and-white crest standing out against the muted reflections of the water.
Two female mergansers swam nearby, their russet heads blending beautifully with the surroundings. They were wary of my presence, their skittish nature reminding me that I was merely a guest in their world. I stayed only briefly, long enough to appreciate their elegance before moving on.
Did You Know? Female Hooded Mergansers have a distinct, elegant look with their warm brown plumage and a unique, fan-shaped crest that they can raise or lower. They are cavity nesters, often laying their eggs in tree hollows or even in the abandoned nests of other birds. In an unusual behavior called brood parasitism, they sometimes lay eggs in another female's nest, leaving her to raise the extra chicks!
Nature, in its quiet resilience, continues to astound me. It heals, it calms, and it offers perspective. No matter what challenges life presents, moments like these remind me of the harmony that exists between urban spaces and wildlife. These creatures, thriving in the midst of our world, are worth protecting.
What an incredible experience.
You've covered a lot of territory in this one. Amazing detail.