It seems to me that our local cormorant population has packed up and headed elsewhere. Elsewhere, I suspect, is someplace warmer than Maine. Even southern Maine may not be far enough.

These critters have always fascinated me, especially when they hang out on a float or piling or mooring ball. I always thought they had a sort of prehistoric look to them, similar to the pterodactyl, I think that’s the correct reference, especially when seen out of the water with their wings spread, drying their feathers. Of course, flatlander that I am, I had no idea what the reason for this was. I figured they were just airing out after a long day. But Google tells me it's because their feathers are not waterproof, so after swimming around or under water for a period of time, they need to dry off their wings so they can fly. Duh, who’d of thunk?

They apparently are very good at fishing, which may have something to do with why the lobstering community gets annoyed. Back when I first moved to Maine, in the mid-70s, folks would often shoot cormorants, sometimes for fun but also because they were so good at snagging fish from traps and elsewhere, competing with business. I guess they can “swim” under water really well. I recall seeing photographs of Japanese fishermen with cormorants resting on long poles leveraged out from boats with a “leash” around their necks and a line attached. They would dive for fish but could not swallow them, thus providing good catches for the boat owner. Haven’t seen much of that drill here in Maine. Don’t guess I ever will as the cormorant population is stressed and diminishing. Apparently, the recovering crop of bald eagles finds nested eggs appealing.

The photo seen today was noticed on my way back to Robinson’s Wharf on Southport after photographing a wedding at Burnt Island Light. These cormorants found the breeze they needed with a touch of sunlight thrown in to help them dry off. I thought it was kind of cool the way they were all lined up but in different directions. Put me in mind of a sporting group about to be addressed by an energized coaching staff. “All right you guys, we have one mission! Dry your wings and get back in there and fish! We can do this!” Or not. “It's up to you.” But not everyone was paying attention.

Shags, I guess, is a semi-derogatory slang term for the cormorant. Maybe because they are known (for more than their fish catching) to poop a lot and have been known to leave their deposits on coastal islands, causing all but complete defoliation. I guess digested fish isn’t particularly beneficial. White Island off Ocean Point and Mark Island off the southwest shore of Southport come to mind. Pretty stinky, too!