I missed the moment when this Double Crested Cormorant started his flight, breaking free of the pond surface.

The sequence I did get took place in less than a second.

My shutter speed was only 1000 due to the dull light,  and I really wasn’t expecting him to take off as I’d been watching him feed.

Another up beat…

…and touch of the water. Yes, I clipped the bird but the water splashes fascinate me.

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 11, 2024