Posturing

Oh, it’s breeding time for the cormorants, and there is a huge colony very close to the walking path. The main photo shows two guys fanning their tails and enthusiastically displaying the gorgeous blue gular patches under their throats; they are, of course, hanging out and hoping to attract girls. There is a calmer couple over on the left, perhaps discussing the placement of their nest.

The Extra shows a little more of the habitat and the controlled chaos of staking out a piece of real estate. My favorite couple is way over to the left—they have outlined their space with curved sticks, marking a circle, and nobody better try to mess with it. You can see other couples, and the beginnings of other nests. By the time they’re done, a whole lot of birds will be mashed into this space for the several weeks it takes to raise a family.