Preparing for the babies

This Double-crested Cormorant is carrying nest material to arrange his nest. They have started to lay eggs now and are still working to improve their nests. Their nests usually are getting highly damaged when Bald Eagles are flying by. As a flight response, the cormorants are flying from their nests and taking nest material with them while they panic. As a researcher on Mandarte Island (Song Sparrows) I have to opportunity to observe the cormorant colony on a daily level while watching our Song Sparrows. Since they are so sensitive, we have always be aware of them and keep enough distance. When they fly from their nests, Northwestern Crows and even Gulls usually steal their eggs out of the nests! This picture was therefore taken with a telephoto lens.