"What are they doing here?" is a common reaction when visitors see the huge black birds perched outside Strumpshaw's reception - "Shouldn't they be at the sea?"
It's a good question. Cormorants are usually thought of as seabirds, but they've always lived in fresh water habitats as well. Strumpshaw Fen is a great spot for them as they can find plenty of eels to eat and tall trees to perch on.
Other seabirds that can't adapt to life on land aren't so lucky. Seabirds are finding it harder and harder to find enough fish at sea - and lack of fish means no food for chicks.
Okay, I'll confess that this is a rather dubious link to make you sign a very important RSPB petition to protect vital feeding areas for kittiwakes, puffins and other amazing seabirds that we never see at Strumpshaw Fen! If, like me, you care about all wildlife - on land, sea or air - please stop reading this blog and click here to sign the petition instead!