I like the last two shots a lot due to warm & inviting light - - & from what I've been told MDR is great for birds all year around. But that might be wrong.
No Scott - - Double-crested Cormorants are normally in Southern California year round.... Unless MDR is different..... I know we have them year round in Malibu down to Bolsa Chica.....
ok, of course - yes cormorants are around all year, one of most common birds along the water.
I'm not used to seeing them in trees! -Just on the water or under water, they must have discovered these specific trees within the past year and decided to make nests there.