African Darter
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010Unlike many other waterbirds the feathers of the African Darter do not contain any oil and are therefore not waterproof. Because of this, the bird is less positively buoyant and its diving capabilities are enhanced. After diving for fish, the feathers can become waterlogged. In order to be able to fly and maintain heat insulation it needs to dry its feathers. I shot this picture of a Darter at the Lake Panic bird hide in the Kruger National Park, sunning his feathers after some time in the water.