Reed cormorant puts on bath time display in Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Posted by David Henning on 31 March 2022

‘Rietvlei is more than just the cheetah and its adorable cubs,’ said Alta Pretorius when she shared some majestic images of a reed cormorant in the nature reserve outside Pretoria.

WATCH: Curious cheetah cubs visit vehicles in Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Rietvlei Nature Reserve is considered a gem among the urban Gauteng landscape which recently saw the birth of five cheetah cubs, but this green island is home to spectacular birdlife, too.

Made up of open grassland, the reserve also encompasses the Rietvlei Dam, where Pretorius captured some amazing shots of a reed cormorant taking a bath.

Also known as a long-tailed cormorant, this bird feeds on small fish, frogs, crabs, and insects by propelling itself through the water with its webbed feet. It can stay underwater for up to 45 seconds.

Reed cormorant

 

Reed cormorant

 

Reed cormorant

 

Reed cormorant

 

Reed cormorant

 

Reed cormorant

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