Saturday, March 14, 2015

Anhinga

The Anhinga, like the Wood Stork, seems like something out of another time. It is graceful in the air ...


... but awkward on land. I wish the still camera could have captured the bumbling efforts of this gentleman to find the right place on land to finally spread his wings for drying ...


I photographed this guy while he was still preening for the camera, but the good looking lady nearby was ready and waiting ...



Wood Storks do not always share the limited real estate with other nesting birds. Observers told me of several Great Blue Heron nest which fell victim to the real estate wars. But this Anhinga pair seems to have reached an accommodation, perhaps because they are content to take resident below the top-most penthouse level which the Wood Storks prefer. She appears to be incubating (lower right) while her mate preens nearby.


Anhingas were well into their nesting season ...

... with some nests filled with hungry and demanding young, or in this case, with a brood of sleeping kids.

Anhingas are sometimes known as the snake bird, with its long, thin neck and narrow head. We watched this one surface with a fish in its beak and swim across a large pond in this neck-extended manner. Eventually it worked the prey into the right position and enjoyed its dinner.


Good Birding!

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