The first double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) I saw in New York City were in the Central Park Reservoir, but since then I have seen them in my travels throughout all five boroughs. I remember watching the cormorants fishing in China years ago. The fishermen would tie strings around the cormorants’ necks so they couldn’t swallow the fish. The cormorants would grab the fish, bring it to the boat, and trade for a smaller fish they could swallow. I prefer seeing cormorants without the strings!

I am constantly amazed at the blue, blue eyes these birds have.

Double-crested cormorant with fish dinner, Turtle Pond, Central Park, April 24, 2022

Double-crested cormorants, Turtle Pond, April 19, 2020

Double-crested cormorants, Turtle Pond, April 19, 2020

Double-crested cormorant showing off the double crests, Turtle Pond, Central Park, May 12, 2020

Double-crested cormorant showing off the double crests, Turtle Pond, Central Park, May 12, 2020

Cormorants at the Reservoir, Central Park, June 6, 2021

Cormorants at the Reservoir, Central Park, June 6, 2021

Turtle Pond, Central Park, May 10, 2020

Turtle Pond, Central Park, May 10, 2020

May 12, 2020, Turtle Pond, with the turtles

May 12, 2020, Turtle Pond, with the turtles

Double-crested cormorant, Turtle Pond, April 19, 2020

Double-crested cormorant, Turtle Pond, April 19, 2020

The double-crested cormorants below were seen in Central Park in April and May 2020.

Double-crested cormorant, West 12th Pier, Broad Channel, September 13, 2019

Double-crested cormorant, West 12th Pier, Broad Channel, September 13, 2019

Double crested cormorant and Canada goose, September 21, 2019, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Double crested cormorant and Canada goose, September 21, 2019, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge