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Posted by Mark Berney on 21:10:44 10/07/13
On Sunday 6th October up to four probable Neotropic Cormorants were observed at Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Palm Beach Co. Three are on nests and appear to be paired with Double-crested Cormorants, but further study is needed to eliminate the possibility of hybrids from past seasons.
The Neotropic Cormorant in the foreground in the attached photo is an unpaired adult male that has been observed at Wakodahatchee since at least 1st Dec 2012 (note the unique white crescent mark on the lower throat). This individual and two other Neotropics from Wakodahatchee were recently accepted by the FOS records committee. This same individual was photographed by Debby Buerman on 24th Aug and later by me on 15th Sep.
At least 15 active Double-crested Cormorant nests were observed on 15th Sep. It seems that the floridanus race of DCCO may nest year round. If anyone has observations or photos of cormorant nesting activity for June, July, or August, I would appreciate if you could contact me through email.
For folks interested in seeing these birds, one is nesting atop the tallest tree on the island just right of the T-intersection in the boardwalk (just after the shelter). This individual has a crazy array of white filoplumes on the head and neck (see photo). The other two are nesting on the near island in the NW part of the boardwalk. One is on the back-side of the island and is difficult to observe. The other is on the front-side of the island on the tree just right of center (unfortunately the nest is partially obscured).
Good luck to those who travel to see this RARE and new breeding species for Florida, and please post your sightings and photos.
Mark Berney,
Broward
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