Posted: Apr 18, 2021 7:00 AM NT | Last Updated: April 18
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Cormorants have targeted the trout population of Bowring Park and the Waterford River.(Submitted by Bruce Mactavish)
What were once rare sightings on Newfoundland's rivers appear to be more common, as cormorants are being spotted in Bowring Park and around the Waterford River.
While birdwatchers may welcome the opportunity to see the seabirds close to home, and without having to scout them out along their typical coastal homes, cormorants are cause for concern among anglers who say they're contributing to the depletion of the Waterford River's trout population.
Cormorants — commonly called "shags," due to their being a source of frustration for hunters looking to bag more palatable seabirds — usually leave the island in winter and return to nest in the spring.