The double crested cormorant is a rather ordinary looking sea bird. With the exception, of course, of that extraordinary emerald eye. This particular cormorant was very tame, allowing me to fill the frame with a nice head shot. I was hiking along the popular — and justifiably famous to birders — Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park just south of Miami. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 340mm) ISO 200, f/6.3 at 1/640th of a second
A very proud elegant-looking cormorant. His beautiful emerald eye almost looks like he has part of the world map in his eye. He’s beautiful Sean (and friendly as well!)
So appropriate since emerald is the birthstone for May!! Do all cormorants have emerald eyes? We frequently see them here on Cape Ann where the cormorant is a familiar sight with the oily feathered wings extended to dry in the sun. Of course I have never been this close to catch a glimpse of the beautiful gem-like eye. Great shot, Sean.
Hey Mom, no, they don’t all have the emerald eyes. There are about 40 different species of cormorants, the double crested being the one most commonly seen in the U.S. And yes, let’s just say that I knew that emerald was the birthstone of May and that’s why I posted this today because I won’t be posting tomorrow — being a Saturday — on my mother’s birthday.
Hi Lesley, there was a bit of down on the end of the cormorant’s beak, probably from grooming, although, I’m not sure why it’s white. Maybe there were some babies nearby.
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A very proud elegant-looking cormorant. His beautiful emerald eye almost looks like he has part of the world map in his eye. He’s beautiful Sean (and friendly as well!)
So appropriate since emerald is the birthstone for May!! Do all cormorants have emerald eyes? We frequently see them here on Cape Ann where the cormorant is a familiar sight with the oily feathered wings extended to dry in the sun. Of course I have never been this close to catch a glimpse of the beautiful gem-like eye. Great shot, Sean.
Hey Mom, no, they don’t all have the emerald eyes. There are about 40 different species of cormorants, the double crested being the one most commonly seen in the U.S. And yes, let’s just say that I knew that emerald was the birthstone of May and that’s why I posted this today because I won’t be posting tomorrow — being a Saturday — on my mother’s birthday.
Very fine close up showing the amazing emerald eye!
In an eye’s green glow—-The yearning of an ocean lives—-To light a fishes way.
beautiful details Sean
This guy is so regal, I love him
I usually think of them as plain or even ugly birds. You have shown me that is definitely not the case.
STUNNING!
I love him too – what’s the “tuft’ on the middle of his beak ?
Hi Lesley, there was a bit of down on the end of the cormorant’s beak, probably from grooming, although, I’m not sure why it’s white. Maybe there were some babies nearby.
Beautiful. Nice work Sean.