Great Cormorant in Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, 10-12-2011

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Jonathan Klizas

Great Cormorant is always a good find in Morris and Somerset Counties. Jeff Ellerbusch found a juvenile this afternoon at Washington Valley Reservoir (a.k.a. Chimney Rock Res.), Bridgewater Township. The reservoir is accessed via trails in Washington Valley Park. When I joined Jeff later we watched the Great Cormorant swimming in figure-8 patterns using its fanned-out tail as a rudder as it seemed to be trying to consume what appeared to be an enormous fish in its distorted looking throat. Below are Jeff’s photos taken with a smart phone – pre-fish consumption (click on a photo to view a larger image). Also, Jeff found an Eastern Meadowlark in a field along Newmans Lane near the reservoir – coordinates 40.600871,-74.571118
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3 Responses to Great Cormorant in Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, 10-12-2011

  1. Vince Capp's avatar Vince Capp says:
    October 12, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    I’ve always said that body of water can be VERY rewarding. It’s like a box of chocolates: “You never know what your going to get”. It is, after all at the same migration route “funnel point” that brings all those many thousands of raptors over the “rock” in the fall. I’m glad you pulled that bunny out of that hat! Good get. It’s also good to know that I’m not the only one who will be checking it regularly for surprises this fall and winter.

    Vince Capp

    Reply
  2. Jeff Ellerbusch's avatar Jeff Ellerbusch says:
    October 12, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    Thanks.
    Was my first time birding there. Not sure why i’ve never checked it before, but will keep checking it from now on. My first Somerset Great Corm so i’m happy.

    Jeff

    Reply
    • Vince Capp's avatar Vince Capp says:
      October 13, 2011 at 6:39 pm

      Jeff-
      I took some photos of the bird today, and I really like few of them. If you wish, get my email address from Jonathan, and I’ll send the full sized pics to you.

      Jonathan- please feel free to share my email address with Jeff if he asks for it.

      Vince

      Reply

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