There are 40 species of birds in the Phalacrocoracidae family that are collectively called cormorants or shags. The name "cormorant" has been applied rather randomly to birds that look similar. See Wikipedia: Cormorant. This rookery has apparently appeared since my last, long-ago, visit to California. It is located right off one of the main streets in La Jolla, California. I should note that the noise and smell are quite prominent. Obviously, the bird population is a subject of some disagreement. See "La Jolla Seeks Relief From Bird Stench." Those in favor of the birds note that the environmental protections implemented over the past few years have brought back some of the endangered species. Quoting from the article:
La Jolla is a state-designated area of "special biological significance." That means California strictly regulates its waters to protect its abundant marine life, which also attracts birds.
"We're kind of a victim of our own success," said Robert Pitman, a marine biologist at the National Marine Fisheries Service in La Jolla. "We've provided a lot of bird protections so now we're getting a lot of birds. I think we're going to be seeing more of these conflicts come about, and I think we'll have to deal with them on a case-by-case basis. I think there'll have to be compromises all around."Personally, I don't have much of a sense of smell, so the birds didn't bother me and enjoyed taking some photos of them.
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