A eucalyptus tree in Burton Chace Park, Marina del Rey, recently faced a crisis when strong winds caused it to become unstable. This tree was home to over 60 double-crested cormorant eggs and chicks, prompting a swift rescue effort to save them.
The incident occurred earlier this month when the trunk of the tree split, leading to a large section falling near a walkway that connects to the park’s parking lot. Concerned for the safety of the nests, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors teamed up with the International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center to carry out a rescue mission on March 10.
During the operation, a total of 20 nests were discovered, with most containing three to four eggs. Some of these eggs had already hatched. The rescued eggs and chicks were carefully transported to a wildlife center in San Pedro, where they will receive care until they are ready to be released back into the wild. Meanwhile, the damaged tree was cut down to prevent any further risks.
Double-crested cormorants are known for nesting in colonies, often in elevated areas near water, as they primarily feed on fish. However, these birds have faced criticism for the damage they can cause to trees and local fish populations. Reports indicate that cormorants can consume about a pound of fish daily, which has contributed to significant declines in fish populations in some areas, such as Lake Huron.
The cormorants’ nesting habits can also harm vegetation due to the acidity of their droppings, which can kill trees and shrubs. Each parent cormorant takes turns incubating the eggs for about a month, and young birds typically take five to six weeks to learn to fly independently.
The staff at the wildlife center are working diligently to care for the rescued chicks, which may need up to three months of rehabilitation. Once they are ready, these birds will be released back into existing cormorant colonies. This rescue highlights the ongoing efforts to protect wildlife and the delicate balance of ecosystems affected by human activity.