Seabirds Up Close
I’ve spent many summers watching seabirds from the deck of the Maine State Ferry, on boat tours to the Atlantic Puffin colony on Maine’s Eastern Egg Rock and, more recently, on Iceland’s rocky cliffsides. From common sightings, like gulls and terns, to more unusual ones, like storm petrels skimming close to the surface or gannets plunge diving into the water, it’s always a thrill to see what’s out there. The Double-crested Cormorant is a common bird to watch for. It’s is easy to spot from its characteristic behaviors: sitting low in the water one minute and disappearing the next to dive for fish, flying low over the water, or perching on buoys or rocks to dry its outstretched wings. Rarely do you get an up-close look at its stunning turquoise eyes or bright orange bill. So, I hope you enjoy this portrait and get a chance to spot one through your binoculars soon.
Tips and Techniques– Join me in July and August for Seabird Portraits in Watercolor, a four-class online workshop. Each class will focus on one bird species. Tuesdays 6-8pm Eastern, July 16: Northern Gannet; July 30: Common Tern; August 13: Double-Crested Cormorant; August 27: Atlantic Puffin. Register at Winslow Art Center.
Drawn In 
It’s a beautiful portrait. I see cormorants frequently, but never knew about the blue eyes.
Thanks Laura. It’s pretty stunning to see that eye close up!
Love the fact that you caught the angular bends in the bird’s neck, rather than generalizing into a smooth curve. You’ve revealed the vertebrae very subtly!
I wasn’t really thinking about the vertebrae, but I do think bird’s heads and necks are far more angular than expected.
well written. I love you kept this short and sweet!
I like the way you captured the bird’s feathers especially on its wing. The only time I ever see cormorants is when they are flying overhead.
Thanks Peggy. I really just wanted to suggest those feathers– though they are worthy of up close study, too.
lovely painting