and impersonating a menacing pair of jaws at the same time.
1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I took this photo of a Double-crested Cormorant two days ago. I’m posting it as a standalone for two reasons.
I think it’s visually interesting as a graphic (rather than as a bird photo) because the arc of the bird’s head and neck, combined with their reflection, reminds me of a menacing open pair of jaws (or maybe tongs) moving through the water toward some potential victim. When I look at it I can almost hear the theme song of the movie Jaws in my head. Maybe you have to be in the right frame of mind to see what I see. Or maybe it’s just me…
The other reason takes more time to explain. The photo was taken just as the cormorant noticed a commotion on the water maybe 50′ in front if it and is reacting to it with intense interest. An instant after the photo was taken the cormorant rushed over to the disturbance at the same time as I was swinging my lens to my left to photograph it. I took many photos of the disturbance and it was my intention to post quite a few of them today but processing them takes a long time and this soon after back surgery I still can’t sit at my computer for that long. At this point not all of them are ready to be published but I intend to post them tomorrow, or very soon.
So, in one way at least, today’s post is only a teaser. For that I apologize but for the time being I have to live within the limits dictated by circumstances.
Ron
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-sX2Y0W8l0 (John Williams conducting the Boston Pops)
Love the teaser. Reminds me of the way that kids would move across the quad whenever there was “something to see.” This shot could stand alone though — I’m getting definite “Nessie” (Loch Ness Monster) vibes too. 😉
Marty, I think I read just this morning that John Williams said that Indiana Jones 5, the film he’s working on now, will be his last film.
Snake bird. And that beak looks to have teeth.
A wonderful teaser – and now look after you. Please.
I’m trying, EC. With mixed results.
I always think they are water turkeys aka arahingas.
There’s a strong resemblance.
Ron, what a fascinating image! Cormorants are such weird looking birds anyway, but this really transforms it into some magical creature. Looking forward to the followup, as your back allows.
Thank you, Carolyn.
Great shot! And I love all the alternative descriptors for this fellow’s appearance: Nessie, shark, ouroborous (had to Google that one!), pliers … all make sense to me. My observation: with the water’s help, he does remind me of a water snake, he looks incredibly long and sleek!
Long and sleek ‘he’ is, Chris.
So long that, in an alternative crop of the same photo where I cut off his body a little over half way back, it doesn’t look like anything’s missing!
Amazingly agile and built perfectly for water. The tip of the beak is very sharp and they have sharp knife edges on the beak like pelicans. Their blue eyes and mouth are intense turquoise. I have many photos of both double crested and neotropic cormorants but seldom have photos of the double crested’s namesake feathers. Looking forward to the remainder of the series.
Good description, April. Thanks.
Lot’s of imaginative comparisons today. Nessie, indeed.
Wherever they’re headed they are neck and neck in the race. Wonder who will win.
You’re tag for the scientific name sounded strange. But, sure enough, those darn taxonomists and the AOI changed it from Phalacrocorax last year. At least the common name is more descriptive. Nanopterum=small winged. Bah, humbug.
Lyle, they change the names so often I’ve stopped relying on memory and field guides for them. Now I just go straight to BotW because they always keep them up to date.
When opening up the post the first thing I saw was speed. Right away it looked to me that he was moving at high speed. Then my next thought was of a shark moving through the water while the Jaws music played. Excellent shot Ron, looking forward to the rest.
Reminding me of Jaws, when I read Benchley’s book so many years ago I think the first page was the most riveting attention catching intro to a book I have ever read.
I remember reading the book too, Everett. Long, long time ago…
Nessie!
Good one!
OMG! So, so beautiful ! This is one of the two reasons why I so love to watch cormorants, (the other being how efficient they are at fishing). Lines like this and that mirror glass reflection are breathtaking. I hope your back will soon stop giving you bad days but with shots like this to feed us we certainly won’t go hungry for our morning fix.
“the other being how efficient they are at fishing”
Granny Pat, one of the reasons you (and I) like cormorants is the same reason so many folks dislike them – their extreme proficiency at catching and eating fish. Many fisherpersons really dislike cormorants for eating “their” fish.
A GREAT giggle! 🙂 Does look like “Jaws” or a large pair of pliars sitting so low in the water! Reflection is perfect! Take your time – your health the top priority!
I didn’t think of plyers but you’re right, Judy.
Wow! Absolutely wonderful A++ world class photo. I look forward to seeing the others.
Thanks very much, Robert.
I can hear Jaws theme song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX3bN5YeiQs
Terri, I played the theme song earlier this morning. I’ve still got the earworm.
Not just you. A real standalone photo, with a aesthetic all it’s own but still has a mythical quality about it; like a ouroboros of sorts.
One is enough for today. Take care of that back.
“Not just you”
Whew! I was afraid it might be. Thanks for that feedback, Michael.
Not a problem, can’t wait until tomorrow!
Love this shot!
Thanks, Dick.