Yes, the Double-crested Cormorants are breeding & nesting right now. So, since they only show off their Double-crests while breeding - - these shots are mostly chosen as it shows off the amazing Double-crests. I need to go early in the morning to get the light in the right spot & me in the right position. I have to admit that even with the 300-800mm Sigmonster these are about 50% crops. The birds are on an island in the middle of the "lake" of the basin.

It would seem the males go off & find building material, while the female stays in the nest on the eggs, if I've figured it correctly. This group of branches was floating around & became a major source of interest to several Cormorants & I watched as they all tried to take them all at once, but most decided to break off a branch at a time & attempt to bring them home to the nest. I write "attempt" cause I have to admit - - these birds have a serious problem landing in trees with their webbed feet. They're not meant to hang out in trees - - yet they do. I saw several males "miss" their landings & fall trying to get back to their mates.