23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
A Waterlogged Cormorant Dried its Wings Creating an Ethereal Aura in the Aquatic Greenery

My tour bus driver took me to Djoudj Park, a bird sanctuary. Cormorant feathers become waterlogged after a dive forcing the bird to dry them out on bushes, trees and other aquatic greenery. This cormorant splendidly spread its wings against the green vegetation forming an ethereal aura.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: 1.5 hour drive from St. Louis, Senegal, Senegal
Camera: DMC-FZ70
Copyright: © Marilyn Adelman