This letter, and the reply, first appeared on page 42 of the May/June 1983 issue of 'Bird Life', the magazine of the RSPB's then junior wing, the Young Ornithologists' Club.
Bird and place names were spelt as shown. For their current status, please see our county lists.
Out of place?
Have you any other records of cormorants drying their wings on top of cooling towers? In this instance they were on Hams Hall power station, where the cooling towers are 350 feet high. Hams Hall is deep inland, approximately 100 miles away from Cardigan Bay, 123 miles from Yarmouth, 125 miles from Southampton, 160 from Tynemouth.
D Campion
Kings Norton, Birmingham
The reason for cormorants hanging out their wings is still unknown. These birds were probably non-breeding birds which are often found inland in summer, where they feed on gravel pits or lakes.
The reply was anonymous, but the magazine was edited by Annette Preece.
Hams Hall power station was demolished in November 1992; part of the site is now our Ladywalk Reserve. We wonder whether Master or Miss Campion grew up to be a West Midland Bird Club member, and if they still visit there?