Question on cormorants

[John Goldsbury]

My wife and I walked Semiahmoo Spit today, birdwatching.  As usual, the breakwater near the marina was filled with cormorants.  It was low tide, so we walked on the beach toward the breakwater.  When we got close, the cormorants dispersed.  Would that be because we got too close?  Before you answer "duh," I don't know whether the better explanation is:  "No, cormorants don't budge for people; something else happened to cause that."  Just trying to learn, thank you.