If Lunenburg ever needed a bird mascot, the cormorant would be a top contender. Nova Scotia is home to two cormorant species: the double-crested cormorant, often found inland and around freshwater, and the great cormorant, which prefers the salty coastal spots. These sleek, matte-black fishers sport striking orange-yellow faces and dazzling turquoise eyes. They have eager appetites, gobbling up to 0.5 to 1.5 pounds of fish each day.
One quirky trait that sets them apart? Unlike most other water birds, they don’t have waterproof feathers. That’s why you’ll often spot them perched on mooring balls or rocks, with their wings spread out to dry. Fun fact: their non-waterproof feathers actually help them dive better, reducing buoyancy so they can plunge deeper after their prey. These diving pros can reach depths of over 12 meters, using their powerful webbed feet to propel them through the water.
While some hardy cormorants stick around Nova Scotia year-round, many head south to the U.S. during the winter months. Come spring, they return to Nova Scotia to breed and feast in the warmer seasons.
