Day 26: The eye of the corm

Here's my vote for the prettiest eyes on the island. The bright blue eyes of the Brandt's Cormorant are irresistible. Last time I posted a picture of Brandt's,  I mentioned they were attending the colony in good numbers and I was hopeful for an early start to the breeding season. I'm still waiting. I had a very nervous few days last week when the cormorants mysteriously disappeared. The colonies were virtually empty, the one nest in our study colony that had eggs was abandoned, nest building ceased. Then, just a few days ago, they returned in even bigger numbers than before. Still no significant egg laying (we have one nest with eggs in the study colony) but I am once again hopeful.

On another note, I'm leaving the island tomorrow for two weeks so Farallon Photo a day will be on hiatus until I return.