A Little Black Cormorant is clearly caught on something in the river as it flaps its wings frantically to free itself. It's distressed and tiring. If the bird isn't freed it will drown. Luckily one of our group that day conducting field research is wildlife veterinarian Dr Stephen Van Mil.

Steve swims out to the bird. As he gets closer, the bird flaps its wings helplessly trying to escape. 

Carefully and with a deliberate calm, Steve grabs the Little Black Cormorant and holds it by the legs as he swims it to the shore.

The bird is caught in not one, but two fishing lines and it's a delicate process trying to unravel them. The whole time Steve's actions are calm and measured.

At first, the bird struggles to free itself and bites Steve on the arm. When the first fishing line is untangled from its legs it begins to calm down and remains still as Steve untangles the other line. 

The bird is set free, and gives a loud appreciative squawk as it makes its escape.

The Little Black Cormorant swims away happily calling