[mikeschmeee]

I was going through some old photographs and I came across this cormorant. I noticed these odd bumps on both sides of its neck. I'm wondering if the bird was sick? Reminds me of when seeing images of ticks attached to dogs.
I'm curious to know, any thoughts on this?



Thanks,
Cheers,
Mike

[northvanrob]

Apparently Sea birds do get ticks!
Here is a pdf on the
Worldwide Distribution and Diversity of Seabird Ticks

http://mivegec.ird.fr/images/stories/PDF_files/0937.pdf

So more common than what we know!

[rawalker]

Yes I asked my wife who is a vet pathogist and she said ticks as well.

[mcrosbie]

The eye colour on this bird is amazing. I didn't know they had turquoise eyes.

[mikeschmeee]

Since this is an old image and even though I still see cormorants at the same place where this image was taken, I will not report it if needed. However, my next question is, should this sort of thing be reported in order to help the animal? I know ticks are not a good thing but just wondering if I see this again on a wild animal, is it hopeless and should be left alone or report it so the animal could be helped and also not to spread the ticks? Just wondering...

Thanks!

[esle9]

Since this is an old image and even though I still see cormorants at the same place where this image was taken, I will not report it if needed. However, my next question is, should this sort of thing be reported in order to help the animal? I know ticks are not a good thing but just wondering if I see this again on a wild animal, is it hopeless and should be left alone or report it so the animal could be helped and also not to spread the ticks? Just wondering...

Thanks!

If you are ever wondering about a possibly sick bird, you can call the wildlife helpline at the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC, and they will be able to assess if the bird should be brought in. Parasites are relatively normal for wild birds and usually not worth the stress of capture, unless if the bird is acting very weak they might need help.