06/09/2026
At first glance, cormorants don't always get the attention that eagles, owls, or herons do.
But spend a few minutes watching one, and you'll quickly realize you're looking at an incredible underwater hunter. This bird can dive beneath the surface and pursue fish with remarkable speed and precision. While not closely related, they remind me of other "submarine birds" much like Penguins and Puffin. One of its most recognizable behaviors is standing with its wings spread open with a posture that often leaves people wondering if something is wrong. In reality, it's simply drying its feathers after a dive. They aren't just skilled underwater... I often think they run on water with intense take-off maneuvers and then turn into speedy bullets flying above the water's surface.
The more time I spend photographing wildlife, the more I appreciate that every species has a story worth telling.
What do you think when you see these pro swimmers hanging around?
(May 2026) Kiptopeke State Park
