Flocking Cormorants? (2 Viewers)

[Trilogy82]

Is it unusual to see Cormorants flying in large flocks and is there any significant reason for them to do this?

I spotted a large flock of 50-60 birds in flight while driving yesterday. I pulled in to watch for a while and noticed they were flying the same pattern, over and over - back and forth over a distance of 500m or so.

When I first saw them there was a single grey heron flying after them but within about 15 minutes or so there were 8 of them in pursuit.

I eventually lost sight after they dropped below the tree line but might be worth mentioning that this was a good 20-25 miles inland.

Is this usual?

Brian

 

[flyingpelican]

I think it's interesting to see the cormorants flying in large flocks and I'm not sure if there's a specific reason or purpose for them. It's definitely worth researching further to find out more information.

 

[dantheman]

Is it unusual to see Cormorants flying in large flocks and is there any significant reason for them to do this?

I spotted a large flock of 50-60 birds in flight while driving yesterday. I pulled in to watch for a while and noticed they were flying the same pattern, over and over - back and forth over a distance of 500m or so.

When I first saw them there was a single grey heron flying after them but within about 15 minutes or so there were 8 of them in pursuit.

I eventually lost sight after they dropped below the tree line but might be worth mentioning that this was a good 20-25 miles inland.

Is this usual?

Brian

Not that unusual imo* - they migrate in quite large flocks (100+), and also roost communally (daytime and night time).

What time of day did you see your birds? If birds at roost (or pre-roost) were disturbed they could fly around as you describe.

Cormorants commonly occur on fresh water bodies and waterways inland in Europe.


(But nice to see, and away from areas you normally see them an impressive sight perhaps ;-) )

 

[Trilogy82]

Not that unusual imo* - they migrate in quite large flocks (100+), and also roost communally (daytime and night time).

What time of day did you see your birds? If birds at roost (or pre-roost) were disturbed they could fly around as you describe.

Cormorants commonly occur on fresh water bodies and waterways inland in Europe.


(But nice to see, and away from areas you normally see them an impressive sight perhaps ;-) )

It was about 3pm or so.

It was something I hadn't seen/noticed before but nice to see and also interesting to see the herons "drop what they were doing" and give chase.