Overview

Family - Cormorants and shags (Phalacrocoracidae)

A large and conspicuous waterbird, the cormorant has an almost primitive appearance with its long neck making it appear almost reptilian. It is often seen standing with its wings held out to dry. Regarded by some as black, sinister and greedy, cormorants are supreme fishers which can bring them into conflict with anglers and they have been persecuted in the past. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers.

Comment

Although these are incredibly common in Somerset and I have photographed them frequently, I find them very hard to capture well.  This is a flight shot from May 2010 taken at RSPB Ham Wall.