This morning at the mouth of Alsea Bay on a strong ebb tide there was a
feeding flock of birds present. On close approach I observed
double-crested cormorants, gulls (mostly western) and harbor seals actively
feeding on out-migrating salmonid smolts. Harbor seals would force smolts
up to the surface or into shallow water swimming at high speed creating
wakes. The gulls would mob the harbors seal's location grabbing any smolts
within their reach. I never actually saw a cormorant take a smolt but
judging by their activity and the number of birds present some must have
been successful.
I have post a few photos of the activity here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/24707703@N06/albums/72157682781307885
Roy
