Cormorant in breeding plumage

I’ve never seen a Cormorant in breeding plumage before. When I spot one far off in the channel of the River Lemon, a tributary of the River Teign I’m thrilled.

I walk very slowly towards the bank. Then it dives underwater with barely a splash. I run for it, down the river and as close to the edge of the bank as I can get. I’m trying to guess where it’s going to reemerge.

It bobs up in front of me:

I can barely contain my excitement. I’m lying down with my lens poking through long reeds. It dives again and I scan the swirling river for its presence.

It appears even closer and I get a clear view of its emerald green eye and red face patch together with that wild white headdress.

What a transformation.