A NIGHT-LIGHTING TECHNIQUE FOR CAPTURING CORMORANTS

A night-lighting technique was developed, using a modified jon-boat, f or capturing wintering Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritu s) that roost in cypress trees surrounded by water. During November-Ma rch of 1990-1993, 115 cormorants were captured. In 1993, 33 cormorants were captured at the rate of 2.5 cormorants per hour of effort. The a pproximate cost of the fully equipped capture boat was $4000 (US). Onl y one bird was slightly injured from night-lighting and it is conclude d that this is a safe and cost-effective way to capture wintering corm orants in the Delta region of Mississippi.