Juvenile Double-crested Cormorant

Today was the first day of boating season on the Connecticut River in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. The weather was perfect — mostly sunny in the low 80s with a slight breeze. The water was calm and at times glassy, reflecting the few clouds that were in the sky. Out on the river we encountered a beautiful juvenile Double-crested Cormorant standing on a rock. I snapped about a dozen frames of the bird as we approached before it took flight. The second photo is the best frame that I got from the departure sequence.

Prior to departure we had a very persistent Warbling Vireo singing nearby while about a dozen Turkey Vultures circled above the marina. While cruising the river, I could hear many birds calling when we got close to the river’s edge though almost all went unseen. This was a new experience for me now that I am more focused on the sounds of birds. It added a new layer of enjoyment to an already wonderful day.