Nesting Rock

By Kieran

 Brandt's Cormorant Nesting Rock


 
Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, inspired by the birds roosting on the rocky  outcrop along the scenic 17-mile drive off Monterey Bay, California


Let me introduce you to the remarkable Brandt's Cormorant of the West Coast.
Powerful deep sea swimmers that dive down 100 feet, or that's their boast!

Considered a prime indicator species of a healthy coastal marine ecosystem.
Look closely for their vivid cobalt-blue throat patch else you'll miss 'em!

Unlike other cormorants they are almost never found inland; always out at sea.
And they love to build nests along isolated rocks far far away from you and me.

You'll see them congregate in 'gulps' airing out their feathers to air dry.
They are quite clumsy on land, not so when in the water or when they fly.

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