Crews scramble to save cormorant eggs in wind-damaged tree in Marina del Rey

A eucalyptus tree in Burton Chace Park, housing over 60 unhatched double-crested cormorant eggs and chicks, became unstable after strong winds. The trunk split, resulting in danger to the nearby walkway. A coordinated rescue by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors and the International Bird Rescue led to the removal and relocation of the eggs and chicks to San Pedro. Biologists noted that hatchlings require significant care, with many needing up to three months of assistance before potential release.

Feeding and caring for hatchlings is a delicate and time-consuming process, and Bird Rescue clinic staff are working into the night each day helping raise these birds.

Double-crested cormorants are colonial nesters, meaning they build nests close together, usually in large numbers, and in elevated areas near water as their diet consists of various fish.

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