Seeing a Double-crested Cormorant floating in a pond I expected to witness him fishing. I was ready for him to dive then pop up many feet away.

He had other ideas.

He did a couple of trial flaps.

Then he took to the air leaving a splish splash behind him.

Such finicky fellas! Nice take-off series.
Thanks, Donna!
Wonderful series of shots, Ellen. I love the way these birds skip across the water as they take to the air.
Thanks, Mike. You feel like you have to root for them to lift up, although I’ve never seen one not make it. 🙂
And… action! Beautiful shots Ellen!
Thanks, Greta!