Starting the nesting season

[Roger Bailey]

I have been priveliged to witness nesting season and chronicalling it for several species of birds. This colony of Brandt's Cormorants is in Point Lobos in California. I went to this site every Friday for over 3 months to watch and learn. The start of nesting season brings lots of work for these cormorants. The male brings in the nesting material and has to land outside the colony and then walk it to the nest. Sometimes depending on the quality of the nesting material he brings in that may result in him having to defend his catch. I have seen more than one tug of war with kelp. As the colony becomes more crowded, (they build the nests just short of one bird sitting on the nest being able to touch bills with the next nesting bird), it becomes a more difficult journey. This bird's journey was actually informative but without any drama.

 

[AlanLichty]

Fun sequence - sounds like an interesting journey to follow along with as the season progresses.

 

[Michael13]

They do their work without complaining, unlike some federal employees we all endure. I like the first photo best, I think it sums up the story well.

 

[KevinA]

Great series Roger, those who say a woman's work is never done obviously haven't looked at the animal kingdom properly.

 

[JimFox]

That's so amazing. I am so glad you were able to document this Roger. What an interesting bahavior.