ENTRY DESCRIPTION
The African Darter is a special bird because it is part of a small group of birds whose feathers are not oiled and therefore not waterproof. When landing on the water, the Darter doesn’t float on the surface but slightly below. This explains its nickname of “snake bird” as you can see its neck and head. This property helps it dive to catch fish but, as in this case, a take-off requires a prolonged effort to clear from the water.

Location: Zimbabwe, Matusadona National Park
Canon EOS-1D X, Canon EF500mm f/4.0L IS II USM + 1.4x, 1/640 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 400, EC +2/3, no filter

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