The Little Black Cormorant of Port Fairy

Poise and Presence

On the quiet edges of Port Fairy’s coastal waterways in Victoria, a solitary Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris) stands sentinel. Perched atop a worn bollard, this sleek bird exudes a quiet elegance, its dark feathers catching the midday light in a pattern of iridescent textures that resemble overlapping scales.

This photograph is a study in stillness and form. The bird’s posture—upright, alert, yet calm—mirrors the timeless rhythm of its surroundings. Behind it, the blurred shoreline and tranquil waters create a soft, minimal backdrop that allows the subject to command full attention.

Photographically, this image plays with contrast and natural geometry. The polished blacks of the cormorant’s feathers are offset by the stark white of the post, while the curved lines of the perch echo the gentle shape of the bird itself. Focus is sharp on the bird’s eye, drawing the viewer into the moment and allowing them to linger.

The Little Black Cormorant is a familiar sight across Australia’s inland and coastal waters. Known for its communal fishing and low, silent flight, it is both a symbol of unity and independence. This individual, alone and composed, invites a moment of reflection—on solitude, balance, and the grace that lives in the in-between spaces.

At Mirror of My Mind Photography, images like this are more than just portraits of wildlife. They are visual meditations—opportunities to pause, breathe, and connect with the quiet beauty of the world around us.