DVOC Main Page > Birding the Delaware Valley Region > Birds of the Delaware Valley > Species Description

Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo

From DVOC's Delaware Valley Birds: "Ocean and large bodies of water. Coastal plain, primarily on Delaware River from Tacony Palmyra Bridge to Trenton, NJ. "

Habitat:
Jetties, buoys, bays, large rivers and coastal areas.
Status and Distribution:
Regular winter visitor in small numbers.
Range:
Breeds in North America from the Newfoundland, Nova Scotia to Maine.
Best time to see the bird:
They begin their southbound migration around mid-September, peaking in late-October through early November. Their northbound migration usually begins by mid-February and continues through mid-April, though several are still seen through late-May.


© A & J Binns

History/State Records
First noted in Delaware in March 1963. In New Jersey numbers of winter residents increased in the mid-1970’s and Pennsylvania had its first confirmed sighting on Dec 17, 1983 along the Delaware River in Bucks County.
Best Locations::
  • Pennsylvania:
    1. Delaware River (anywhere from Trenton to the Tacony Palmyra Bridge)
    2. Pennypack Park, Philaldelphia County:
      In Northeast Philadelphia, south of the Baxter Water Treatment Plant. Coming from State Road, (almost opposite Rhawn Street) turn east at the sign for Riverview Home for the Aged, which runs along the southwest side of the Prison. Follow the road into Pennypack Park. Park close to the water’s edge, and walk the path north towards the metal fence that ends in the river. Scan the white tower/marker in the water just north of the fence.
    3. Radcliffe Street, Bristol, Bucks County: Heading north through Bristol along Radcliffe Street and just north of Filmore Street, there is a marker in the Delaware River that is visible from the road, that usually holds a few Great Cormorants. Park along the road, just beyond the industrial building and view the marker through the fence.
  • Delaware :
    1. Cape Henolpen State Park, Sussex County
  • New Jersey:Any jetty with a marker along the coast is worth a look.
    1. Sandy Hook, Monmouth County
    2. Barneget Light, Ocean County