AUSTRALIA is home to five cormorant species and these birds are well known to everyone who frequents the great outdoors.
Earlier this year, I travelled to Tasmania and went on a Tasman Island Cruise Tour along the amazing coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck.
Although it was in the colder months, I still got to see some incredible wildlife.
I also got to see the Black-faced Cormorant for the first time. This particular cormorant species in only found in coastal areas of the southern states such as South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and the southern regions of Western Australia.
The Black-faced Cormorant is black and white in colour with green eyes.
They may also be mistaken for Pied or Little Pied Cormorants. However, the size of the bird and colouring around the face are usually enough to distinguish between the species.
This species is very much a coastal bird and is usually seen in a number of marine environs.
The birds that I observed were resting on exposed rocky formations along the coastline. Black-faced Cormorants predominately feed on fish. The breeding season for this species is usually from September to February.
Like other cormorant species, Black-faced Cormorants nest in colonies.
Throughout their range, the birds are relatively easy to see under the right circumstances.
The birds that I saw were calm as they were familiar with the tour boats which frequent the coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck.
Being able to observe the birds from the boat was quite an experience.
I would totally recommend the boat cruise to everyone as it enables one to see some incredible scenery and take in the marine environment from a different perspective.
The great thing is that you actually feel like part of the bird’s environment!
One of the best experiences I have had on my many trips to Tasmania over the years.
I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
