Double-crested Cormorant
The Double-crested Cormorants is not a rare sight in and around the island of Montreal. There’s plenty of shoreline and habitat for these birds to strive as they migrate through the area or stay for the nesting period. You can observe these wonderful birds from May through October. They can often be found on rocks along rapids or inland within large well stocked ponds and lakes. The Double-crested Cormorants is found in greater numbers were the water flows more rapidly and rocks provide shelter away from the shoreline. The Montreal Back River (Rivieres des Prairies) and Parc du Centenaire in Dollard-des-Ormeaux are two great local spots to observe these wonderful birds. Unfortunately for the photographer the Back River population is too distant for photography. Parc du Centenaire in Dollard-des-Ormeaux offers a closer look but in a less natural environment as they spend all day on wooden platforms.
Double Crested Cormorant at Sunset
Parc des Rapides de Lachine, in Lasalle offers the best of both worlds. Serene marshes, fast moving water and lots of rocks. It’s been a paradise refuge for migratory birds since 1937 making it home to over 225 species of birds,over 60 species of fish and over 250 different varieties of plants, bushes and trees. There’s also plenty of isolated rocks and isolated land inaccessible to humans and most predators.
The Double-crested Cormorants more than strives in this Northern Summer home. The Double-crested Cormorants can be observed from afar in colonies or alone and in small groups as it’s fishing in calm or rapid waters. The possibilities are endless. Frequent passages in flight offer an abundance of opportunity to capture these birds in flight in a variety of light conditions throughout the day.
ABOVE VIDEO: Double-crested Cormorants resting on rocks in the middle of the day as a Mallard finishes up his daily cleaning
PHOTO: taken with Nikon D300s, Nikkor 70-300 VR mounted on a Manfrotto 055CX3Pro in the water.
1. Parc des Rapides de Lachine: Grands Pard de Montréal
2. Parc des Rapides de Lachine: Ville de Montréal