Neotropic Cormorant, Larimer

[David Wade]

Greetings birders, I just discovered a Neotropic Cormorant at Running Deer Natural Area in Fort Collins. It is perched on some downed logs jutting out over Pelican Pond which is at the southwest corner of the natural area.

David Wade
Ft Collins

[David Wade]

I may have spoken too soon, I now see orange in the lores which may exclude it from being a Neotropic. Other than orange lores though, it looks good for Neo. Do they hybridize? Could that be a possibility?

David Wade
Ft Collins CO

[David Wade]

Here are a couple of pictures of my uncertain Cormarant. I am so on the fence about this bird. Points for Double-creasted are: orange in the lores seen in scope view (although some Neo's can have it); the shape of the yellow looks more rounded rather than v-shaped or pointed also the extent of yellow in the lower gular around the throat seems more like DC than Neo (my experience is Neo's have a small patch here DC's is large); the neck seems thick and the tail doesn't appear too long. Arguments for Neo include: the fact photos do not show orange lores: white border on yellow is prominent and obvious: and the breast is dark.

Scott S from Kansas directed me to this article: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54b9bb6fe4b07b4a7d145b55/t/55b5881be4b07baccbccbb7a/1437960219306/Cormorant.pdf

I would appreciate any comments, input or help on this puzzler.

David Wade
Ft Collins, CO