Hooded crow bathing in water captured in dynamic motion
Select your license:

Questions about the subject, usage, technology & more
Why do hooded crows bathe in water and how often do they do it?
Hooded crows (Corvus cornix) bathe regularly to maintain feather condition, removing dirt and parasites. Bathing stimulates the distribution of preen oil from the uropygial gland, which keeps plumage waterproof and flexible. Crows typically bathe several times a week, preferring shallow freshwater edges, and follow bathing with extensive preening sessions.
How can this photo be used?
Licensed for commercial use, this stock photo suits, for example, conservation organizations, environmental campaigns, ornithological publications, or educational materials. Editorial teams and science magazines can use it for features on urban ecology or bird behavior. The 5003 x 3335 pixel resolution supports large-format print applications as well.
What mood does this photo convey?
The scene conveys immediate vitality: the splashing water and soaked plumage of the hooded crow create a sense of spontaneity and captured natural moment. The blue water in the background and the direct daylight give the image a clear, matter-of-fact atmosphere without sentimentality.
What equipment was used to capture this photo?
This action shot was captured with the Sony ILCE-1, a full-frame camera featuring a 50-megapixel sensor and up to 30 frames per second, rendering even rapid water movement with sharp clarity. The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS allowed a tight crop from a safe distance, avoiding any disturbance to the bird at Lake Tegel.
What visual style or trend does this photo represent?
Images of wildlife in urban habitats resonate with a growing societal interest in urban biodiversity, rewilding, and human-wildlife coexistence. This photo of a hooded crow at Berlin's Lake Tegel exemplifies the visual trend of depicting nature not in remote wilderness, but embedded within everyday city environments.
Nestled within Berlin's city limits, Lake Tegel is one of the largest natural lakes in the German capital and a vital urban wildlife refuge. As seen in this photo, its shallow, rocky shoreline provides ideal bathing spots for birds like the hooded crow. Surrounded by forests and green spaces, the lake is a popular destination for birdwatching, water sports, and walks away from the urban bustle.
Hooded crow standing by water with twig in beak
Colorful swan pedal boats at Lake Tegel in Berlin
Sailing boat on Lake Tegel, Berlin on a sunny day
Serene Lake Tegel with sailing boat and reeds, Berlin
Berlin is one of Europe's greenest major cities, threaded with lakes, parks, and forests throughout its urban fabric. Beyond landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, the city offers surprisingly rich natural habitats that support urban wildlife including hooded crows, herons, and foxes. For nature photographers, Berlin is a vastly underrated destination with diverse ecosystems accessible within the city limits.

