Paul and I spotted this Cormorant resting on a raft when we were coming back from a trip to Green's Basin a couple years ago. He seemed completely unconcerned with boaters.
The word “cormorant” comes from the Latin name corvus marinus, which means sea raven.
These amazing birds can often be seen often seen perching on a rock, breakwater or raft with
spread-wing postures, drying their wings.
(Jonas Pilot, thanks for the informative link!
)
Some still believe it is to keep other Cormorants out of their space, because they will still strike this post in the rain. You decide.
They are a member of the pelican family and can dive down as far as 100', but usually go 20' - 30'.
The longest recorded dive is 71 seconds. Most stay under for less than a half a minute.
Check out Jonas Pilot's video,
Homasassa Springs Wildlife Park, taken down in Florida that has some amazing footage of a couple of Cormorants swimming and eating.
(The Cormorants start at 5:40. Excellent video!)
Cormorants seem to be quite playful with their prey and the use of it's tail and feet while swimming gives the impression that it is part otter and maybe playful pup too! Impressive bird.