Cormorants Invade Carmel

Alfred Hitchcock thriller, The Birds.

There is an unusual site along Route 301 near the Kent-Carmel line as some three dozen great cormorants have claimed a large dead tree overlooking the West Branch Reservoir as their place of residence. On Route 301 west of the county seat, nestled in a huge dead tree near the Carmel-Kent line, and overlooking the West Branch Reservoir are some three dozen great cormorants—a North American water bird that feeds on the sea, in estuaries, and on freshwater lakes.

The birds nest in colonies, are characterized by webbed feet, and are fish eaters that swim with their bill tilted upward.

The National Wildlife Habitat Management Institute said cormorants dive from the surface and swim under water and then perch with their wings half open to dry.

Paul Kupchok, Green Chimneys' wildlife specialist, said cormorants belong to the pelican family. "The birds vary greatly in size from 3 pounds to nearly 12 pounds and also have a varied wingspan of from 48 inches to 63 inches. They are found across the Northern Hemisphere as well as in Australia and New Zealand."

Kupchok said the great cormorant breeds mainly on coasts, by nesting on cliffs or trees, and lays three to four eggs in a nest of seaweed and twigs. Kupchok noted that the cormorant is "one of the few birds that can move its eyes that assist in hunting."

Kupchok explained that many fishermen see the cormorant as a competitor for fish, and because of this the species was nearly hunted to extinction in the past. "Thanks to conservation, its numbers have increased."

Chinese fishermen sometimes tie fishing line around the throat of a cormorant,

tight enough to prevent swallowing. The birds 'eat' the fish without being fully able to swallow them

Kupchok said the traditional fishing method is known as cormorant fishing.

Norwegians consider cormorants a traditional game bird, with 10,000 taken annually for food.

Kupchok said some people regard it as good luck to have cormorants gather near a community.

Putnam's cormorants will be with us throughout the summer before migrating to the southern U.S. and Mexico for the winter.