One of the characteristics of the cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is to perch on a tree, rock, buoy or some other place above water with its wings outspread. The purpose of this is to dry the bird's feathers which become very wet when it dives to catch its principal food, fish. Why, you may wonder do tufted ducks, dabchicks, gannet, terns and other diving birds not adopt this posture too? Apparently the cormorant's feathers are more "wettable" because they have less air trapped in them. This allows them to dive deeper and swim underwater for longer. This young cormorant was enjoying the late November sun that bathed Cannop Ponds in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Nikon P900
