It is surprising how adapt some unlikely candidates are at swimming. There was an article with photos a couple of years ago showing ptarmigan landing (at taking off) out in the Bering Sea. I've heard of many passerines (warblers and the like) landing out in the Gulf of Mexico during migration. For many of these species swimming is probably not the preferred option but it seems quite a few are capable of it when the need arises.
I've seen GBH's swim on several occasions...most frequently on the lake our cottage is on, but also on the St.Lawrence River and in the pond beside my house. Most of the time it seems to happen when schools of baitfish are near the surface, judging from watching the birds successfully catch fish while swimming.
Never been able to photograph one in the act, though...cool image, David.
Always nice to witness unexpected behaviour. Here is another similar thread that was discussed previously...with additional examples of species we don't think of as "swimmers" :-)
Swimming Heron
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