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.

[Eric Ellingson]

It is my experience that cormorants do not like to be approached. They will go so far as to abandon their nest with eggs allowing gulls to take the eggs, rather than stay and defend. When a boat approaches too close like when they are on the Semiahmoo Marina or when an eagle fly's over too close they peel off flapping and running with great effort, trying to get airborne and to "safety"

-Eric