This Anhinga was drying her feathers after diving for fish. For some reason it didn’t seem to be an issue that I was closer than usual.
The distinct soft brown neck feathers of breeding season are being replaced by the normal black and silver colors.
In this condition, wet and molting, they are a little bedraggled looking. Still Anhinga can be beautiful birds, not to mention deadly hunters
I have never seen this bird before. It’s incredibly beautiful and interesting. The photographs are outstanding!!!
A southern, tropical bird similar to Cormorants. They swim underwater and spear their prey. Since they have no natural oil like most birds when wet they must climb out of the water to dry. They can’t fly with wet wings. Beyond interesting birds !
I must have over 100 different images / articles on them here. if you search for ‘Anhinga’ in the search box they should be listed.
Oh yeah (in this site somewhere) Anhinga must swallow fish head first. They have a thin neck and the gills will get caught unless swallowed correctly. They will do a ‘Fish Flip’ to get the fish head first. This is throwing a fish up in the air and catching it head first. Many photographers wait until an Anhinga will surface and then shoot like crazy to catch the action. I have several in mid air on this site.
Wonderful photos of these impressive looking birds.
Thanks. They can do it all 🙂 Fly, swim underwater, climb, …..