Though this heavy-bodied bird can fly, it more often escapes danger by thrashing through the water, a behavior suggesting the steam-powered paddle boats for which this species is named. With those weird orange growths on the front edge of the wing, it's not surprising that there birds aren't efficient flyers. Interestingly, the closely related Flightless Steamer-Duck -- as the name suggests -- can't fly at all. While both species are wary, the Flightless variety is particularly so. I tried approaching multiple birds of both species, but this was the only one who tolerated me at a viable shooting distance.
Punta Arenas, Chile
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS R5
1/1600 at f/5.6, ISO 800
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