Double-crested cormorants bask in the morning sun while perched at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado.

Photo by Kort Duce Double-crested cormorants bask in the morning sun while perched at a nature area in Longmont, Colorado. In this vertical color photograph, two cormorants fill the frame as they perch on a large branch extending from the water. The cormorant on the right has its head turned to its left, revealing its right profile, while the other faces forward, showing its left profile. Just beyond them, another cormorant balances on a stump protruding from the water, seen in right profile with its wings spread wide as it basks in the morning sun. The water surrounding the birds reflects the barren brown pond bank across the upper quarter of the frame, while the remainder reflects the blue sky overhead. Gentle ripples add subtle texture to the water. A beautiful portrait of double-crested cormorants in their native wetland environment; an ecosystem vital to their survival.