Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 85 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 69 mm | 104 mm | 46 mm | 34 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 138 mm | 207 mm | 92 mm | 69 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 207 mm | 311 mm | 138 mm | 103 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 276 mm | 415 mm | 184 mm | 138 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 414 mm | 622 mm | 276 mm | 207 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 689 mm | 1,037 mm | 459 mm | 345 mm |
About the Pelagic Cormorant#
The pelagic cormorant (Urile pelagicus), also known as Baird's cormorant or violet-green cormorant, is a small member of the cormorant family Phalacrocoracidae. Analogous to other smallish cormorants, it is also called the pelagic shag occasionally. This seabird lives along the coasts of the northern Pacific; during winter it can also be found in the open ocean.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Drying wings on posts — easy, characterful poses.
- Bright sand and surf fool meters — dial in exposure manually or with auto-ISO and compensation.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
More Cormorants and Shags#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Pelagic Cormorant?
At about 85 cm long, a pelagic cormorant fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 138 mm, or at 20 m with 276 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Pelagic Cormorant?
1/1000 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/4000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Pelagic Cormorant?
Observations in North America peak in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources