Cormorant in Andorra: an unexpected encounter in Santa Coloma

During one of our walks along the Valira River, in Santa Coloma (Andorra) , we were surprised by an unusual scene: two large cormorants were resting peacefully on a branch, right in the heart of the Pyrenean landscape. It was April 10, a morning when spring was beginning to make itself felt among the last traces of winter.

This sighting in Santa Coloma was special. Not only because of the beauty of the moment, but because of what it represents for wildlife observation in Andorra : seeing a cormorant in the Pyrenees is becoming less and less rare, but it remains a unique experience.

Observing with intention: wildlife photography in Andorra

At GUIAND Andorra we never go “hunting” for an image, but we are always prepared , because nature knows how to surprise us when we least expect it. On this occasion, thanks to our SLR camera equipped with a good telephoto lens, we were able to capture several images of these cormorants in Andorra , which we share with you today.

Wildlife photography in the Pyrenees, and especially in Andorra, is a wonderful way to connect with the environment. And you don't have to go far: even on nearby routes like Santa Coloma, unexpected encounters are there, if we learn to look.

What is a cormorant doing in the rivers of Andorra?

The great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is a species more common on coasts and large wetlands, such as those surrounding the Costa Brava , where GUIAND has also observed them many times. There they are part of the marine landscape, perched on rocks or diving between the waves. However, for a decade now they have become a regular visitor to Andorran rivers, especially during winter and early spring.

According to our sources, their presence in Andorra has been consolidated since 2013 , with a progressive increase in individuals that travel up the Valira River in search of food. These cormorants do not stay all year round, but they are increasingly spending more time among us. Their adaptation to mountain rivers speaks of the flexibility and resistance of this species.

Key facts about the cormorant in Andorra:

• Present mainly between November and April.

• Sightings are more common in lower sections of the Valira, such as Santa Coloma.

• It feeds on trout and river fish, diving to depths of 5-10 meters.

• Its black silhouette and the way it spreads its open wings is unmistakable.

An invitation to observe the fauna of Andorra

The most beautiful thing about these types of moments is that we don't look for them, we simply find them . Walking through Santa Coloma, attentive to our surroundings, with the leisurely pace that we like so much, allowed us to experience this moment. The presence of the cormorant tells us of a landscape that changes, that adapts, and that still holds surprises.

At GUIAND Andorra we understand adventure as this: not just exploring, but learning to see . Seeing what has always been there, but which sometimes goes unnoticed.

Connection between mountain and sea: Andorra on the Costa Brava

This sighting in Santa Coloma has not only given us a special moment, it has also reminded us that observation, respect and curiosity are the best travel companions , whether on the banks of a mountain river or in front of a Mediterranean cliff.

From GUIAND Costa Brava we have also had the opportunity to observe the great cormorant in its coastal environment, and this natural coincidence between both scenarios allows us to continue exploring and sharing this connection between ecosystems that seem distant, but are deeply linked.