Photo by Martin Cox (c), 2008

Martin Cox took this picture several days ago -- a double crested cormorant in flight near Echo Park Lake. The odd birds visit the lake this time of year. They fish a bit, they perch on tree branches, winter witnesses; they stand in large groups lakeside, drying their wings. That's a funny thing about these waterfowl -- they aren't as waterproof as geese and ducks. They have to dry off. They also have a funny way of swimming with their bodies down low.

A few days ago, I got a call from Christine Peters, who left a message saying that Echo Park activist and bird expert Judy Raskin was trying to rescue a sick cormorant from the water in Echo Park Lake. Later, I learned that the bird had been saved -- at least temporarily -- and handed over for veterinary care. It appeared to be suffering from avian botulism, so survival: uncertain.

Martin also captured this perfect sliver view of the western side of Echo Park across from the lake -- and the sky with palm tree smack dab off-center. Gorgeous.

Photo by Martin Cox (c), 2008