Double-Crested Cormorants: Last Mountain Lake

In mid-September, we drove past a small flock of double-crested cormorants swimming in a pond near the Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area.

Although I was hoping the birds inside the wildlife area would put on even more dramatic displays, we stopped to take a few photos — and I'm glad we did.  The park itself appeared to be neglected, and on that end-of-season weekend, most roads were still closed from spring flooding. Without the car as a blind, we quickly frightened these huge black birds, and they flew off in clatters of wings and croaks.

I love the up-tipped tilt of their heads, and what looks like a smirk. 

Drying wings for flight

Flying over the Wildlife Area 

What are these? Double-Crested Cormorants. 
Location: Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area, Saskatchewan. 
Photo dates: September 17, 2011. 

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