Out to Dry

07 Jan 2007

This is a Little Black Cormorant, and they're one of the birds that can fly not only in the air but also pretty effectively underwater, so they're great little fishers. Most water birds have an oil-gland at the base of their tail and when they preen themselves they actually spread this oil over their feathers to make them waterproof. Cormorants either don't have this gland, or more than likely don't spread this oil as much because they need to be able to dive down. The result is their plumage absorbs water, so often you'll see them like this, perched somewhere with their wings outstretched to dry after fishing.

This guy was quite nervous, and after I took this shot he folded his wings away and was very wary of my proximity so didn't open them again, despite me patiently waiting. Sometimes they just don't want to play nice!

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