Cormorants (Phalocrocorax penicillatus) at the mouth of the Russian River.
A Brandt's cormorant (Phalocrocorax penicillatus), near Monterey harbor breakwater.
In the morning before our first trip, this Brandt's cormorant (Phalocrocorax penicillatus) was found swimming around in the harbor entangled in fishing line and dragging kelp debris caught on the line.  Deck hands Tasha and Matt were able to gently net the bird, remove the line, and free the cormorant.  The bird had evidently swallowed a very small rockfish which had been hooked.  The fishing line attached to this hooked fish came out the bird's mouth and wrapped around its feet, making a big problem.
Cudos to Tasha and Mat !
In the morning before our first trip, this Brandt's cormorant (Phalocrocorax penicillatus) was found swimming around in the harbor entangled in fishing line and dragging kelp debris caught on the line.  Deck hands Tasha and Matt were able to gently net the bird, remove the line, and free the cormorant.  The bird had evidently swallowed a very small rockfish which had been hooked.  The fishing line attached to this hooked fish came out the bird's mouth and wrapped around its feet, making a big problem.
Cudos to Tasha and Mat !
Phalocrocorax group on water 2013 01-21 SB Channel-001
Eschrichtius robustus & Phalocrocorax & Sta Cruz Island 2013 01-21 SB Channel-017
Phalocrocorax cluster on water 2012 12-28 SB Channel-032
California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and Brandt's cormorants (Phalocrocorax penicillatus) are seen feeding together on a ocean hot spot.
Phalocrocorax penicillatus flock on water 2012 09-29 SB Channel-001
Cormorants (Phalocrocorax penicillatus) at the mouth of the Russian River.
Cormorants (Phalocrocorax penicillatus) at the mouth of the Russian River.
Cormorants (Phalocrocorax penicillatus) at the mouth of the Russian River.
See photo in original gallery.