Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee – Double-crested Cormorant

December 3, 2009 by Val Lee

Wing drying of Double-crested Cormorant by Val Lee

In September, my husband and I enjoyed visiting Astoria, Oregon—driven there by my brother-in-law. My sister and husband live outside of Portland. While there, my sister and I took an instructive trolley ride for $1.00; whereby, we learned a bit of Astoria’s history. It was fascinating to hear fish sticks were invented there and coax cable, through which we enjoy high-speed internet.

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria concluded Lewis & Clark’s trek and it is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. It became known as a fishing town for salmon in the 1800s. Men had more salmon than cash. On the dark side, it was not uncommon for men to be kidnapped (Shanghaied) onto fishing boats late at night.

Astoria’s architectural domains are dominated by hundreds of graciously formed Victorian homes “clinging to steep wooded hillsides,” all set against a backdrop of the glorious Columbia River.

Astoria-Megler Bridge

We also drove on the famous Astoria-Megler Bridge, which makes you feel a bit like you are on a roller coaster as your vehicle descends downward. This renowned bridge stretches 4.1 miles across the mouth of the Columbia River. It is a major point of Route 101 that trails through California, Oregon and Washington. Its main span is 1,232 feet—the longest “continuous truss” in the world. It is dubbed the “Bridge to Nowhere” as there is no city or town on the Washington state side. This bridge connector moves 2,800 motorists a day between Oregon and Washington.

Another main site in Astoria is the gregarious Cormorants or Shags. They certainly caught my eye—intriguing to watch as they congregate in groups for fishing parties. Hanging their wings out to dry between dives (see my top photo) expands their visibility for passer byres. This seemed so unusual to me, as I never see ducks or geese expanded like this. This ritual is performed because Cormorant feathers are not completely waterproof. God did provide the Cormorant with waterproofing oil, secreted through the preen gland, but its pinions obviously still require dryer action. This pretty spectacle of plumage drying does provide you with an idea of the spectacular wingspan God allotted to them—50 inches. Three species of Cormorant fishermen live in Astoria—the Pelagic, Brandt’s and of course, the Double-crested. These anglers can fish in shallow waters or depth levels of up to 135 feet…most amazing. They will also dine on water snakes.

Orientals implemented Cormorants for centuries as personal fishermen—cheap labor. To control the Cormorant’s consumption habits, fishermen would tie a snare near the base of the bird’s throat. This prevented the avis from swallowing larger fish, being secured in their throat. The Cormorants could swallow smaller fish. When a Cormorant caught a larger fish, being snared in the throat area, the handler would bring the bird back to the boat and would maneuver the bird to bring the fish upward to thrust it out. Oriental Cormorant angling was once a successful industry; today its primary use is to serve the tourism industry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IVTNnUhEy8

There are 40 species of Cormorants in the world. The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is easy to identify, as it is the only Cormorant displaying an orange lore (space between eyes and bill). Cormorant means “bald raven.” This 35 inch winger is widely distributed across North America—as far north as Alaska, and down south as far as Mexico. God provided them with remarkable bright turquoise eyes that adapts to all conditions, including night fishing.

A Double-crested Cormorant male suitor will attract that special someone’s eye by flapping and waving his wings before her. He draws further attention through his kingly white and black head-tufts that only appear during breeding season. It is due to these double-crests (one appears on each side of his head), that this Cormorant earned its name. Once his sweetheart is obtained, he and she will select a nest site and start building a nest of sticks, twigs and seaweed. It may be placed on the ground, on cliff edges, in trees, or even in bushes. Three to five chalky blue eggs are laid and both parents incubate the brood for 29 to 35 days. When the new family members hatch, the caring parents feed the young through regurgitation. Fledging takes place between 35 and 40 days. The young depend on their parents for another four weeks before totally departing from parental care. God designed them to produce one brood a year.

Looking into the future, Cormorants will dwell where men once dwelt on the earth, when God’s brings His tribulation, destructive judgment upon it—Isaiah chapter 34. “The LORD’S indignation against all the nations” will be set forth and He will utterly destroy all their armies. God will destroy with fire a great deal of the earth during His judgment plagues. He will slaughter a great deal of humankind—the mountains will be drenched with blood. His sword will be set forth upon the globe. Toward the end of this chapter, God commands that we seek His Book. All His warnings as well as His bestowed love are located in the Bible. Those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior need to consider their eternal destiny. Please click onto this link so you can understand that Jesus Christ loves you and died for you. He desires all be saved from destruction, including you. He wants to bless you with heaven’s glory. Letter to the Bird Enthusiast!

*Info gathered from various websites

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