Darters are related to Cormorants and there are four species worldwide.

They have a long, flexible neck which is handy when preening.

They fish underwater and use their sharp, straight beak to spear their prey and because their feathers aren't waterproof, they need to preen and dry them completely before they're able to fly.

Viewed from the rear, Darters feather patterns are quite beautiful and as they spend so much time onshore with their wings spread, I've been able to take photos of these fascinating birds to my heart's content!