Whistle Lake Wildlife
The Anacortes Community Forest South is a beautiful hiking area and the starting place for documenting the ACFL. I have a great love for wildlife and a passion to share my ventures as I hike the ACFL. I know many will never get the opportunity or not be able to hike anymore. I hope to uplift and enlighten you all with the beauty of a special place.
It was a chilly morning and peacefully quiet at Whistle Lake. This was the first time I had ever been to the area to explore and photograph. It is a beautiful forest with many bending trails as you work your way around the lake. Not much wildlife to be seen over the eight miles I covered, but the scenery is fantastic. I could hear many birds in the forest just waking up to start their day.
I will be spending a lot more time hiking in the area to photograph the wildlife!
Whistle Lake, Anacortes
01.24.2023
Whistle Lake, Anacortes, South End
Double-Crested Cormorant
I found some Double Crested Cormorants drying off. Their feather detailing is remarkably interesting, and the coloring of their eyes is incredible. Their environment this time of year is one made in fairy tales. It will be interesting to see how their lives will be affected throughout the year.
Double-crested Cormorant
Double-crested cormorants are excellent swimmers and divers. They can stay underwater for up to two minutes and can dive to depths of up to 25 feet. They use their sharp bills to catch fish, which they can swallow whole.
Double-crested cormorants are social birds and often nest in colonies. They build their nests on cliffs, trees, or in patches of flooded timber. The female lays 2-4 eggs, which hatch after about 3 weeks. The young birds are fed by their parents for about 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) before they can fly.
Double-crested cormorants are an important part of the ecosystem. They help to control populations of fish, which can otherwise become overpopulated.
If you see a double-crested cormorant, be sure to take a moment to appreciate this fascinating bird.
All images are © Chris LeBoutillier
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