When this bird spread its wings and left them open last week at a small pond in Brussels, I instantly knew it was a cormorant. Cormorants have to frequently dry out their wings, because their feathers are not completely waterproof like some other water birds. It sounds like that would be a problem, but it actually is an advantage for them. Their waterlogged feathers help them to dive deeper, kind of like a weight belt that a deep-sea diver might wear.
It turns out that this is a Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), a larger and somewhat darker cousin of the Double-crested Cormorants that live in our area.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
What a magnificent bird – great shot with his wings open, Mike.
Thanks, Dan. It was a bit easier with this bird than with other species, because he held that pose for a while.
Benjamin was amazed that the Cormorant has to let his wings dry at times after diving. He wanted to know if “his Mommy told him to do that?” I told him that the bird was probably taught to do this when he was little. After looking at the enlarged second photo Benjamin remarked : “I like his neat feet.” Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!