Wrong again, sir. That would be a Double-crested Cormorant

The wintry weather in Scottsdale hasn't take out the bougainvillea. A brisk walk through the Indian School Road neighborhood in Old Town Scottsdale this morning found standing water on the venerable Continental Golf Course and these bright blooms against the overcast. Temps are in the forties, quite unseasonal, but fresh. The golf pro said there would be sunshine over the weekend, be patient.
The city pond had a flock of what we believe to be coots bunched up in the trees, grumbling in hoarse, throaty tones, sort of like some of them had caught colds and they resented it. That's unlikely, of course, and we aren't even sure these are the ubiquitous, unappreciated coot, so we ask Birdmaster Greg Johnson to make the final call. Greg?

Greg writes from Minnesota: Sorry to disappoint. They are Double-crested Cormorants.  See you on the golf course. When it's warmer.