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An enormous flock of cormorants has occupied uninhabited islands on the Irtysh river right near the bridge in Semey in eastern Kazakhstan, Tengrinews reports.
The birds invaded little islands on the river and attracted attention of Semey residents. According to a local zoologist Victor Khoromov, those are the cormorants that used to inhabit only the Shulbinsk reservoir and Irtysh River. “Cormorants usually inhabit areas with lots of fish. It means that a lot of fish has appeared in our area and that is why the birds came here. One bird needs around 2 kilos of fish per day,” Khromov said.
According to the zoologist, cormorants' feathers are not fully waterproof and that is why after diving for fish, the birds have to come ashore to dry their wings in the sun. The birds nest near water reservoirs or rivers and can travel long distances to get food. In the fall, cormorants migrate to the Caspian Sea.
“We have a water reservoir, and there are several thousands of cormorants in the area. They are actively nesting and breeding. The birds feed on small fish because they cannot catch large fish,” the zoologist explained.
Cormorants are not afraid of people because no one hunts them, Khormov added. Cormorant meat issues a strong smell of fish. So their new residence in the middle of Semey is absolutely safe.
By Gyuzel Kamalova
