A what? you may ask? An Anhinga I say. I've seen these birds swimming or sunning themselves frequently in the many golf ponds in our area and didn't know what they were. Sounds like a great opportunity for the weekly SMAP contest!
These have a much longer neck than what you can see here, and the ones I've seen are a bit shy, often hanging out near the water or in it. This one was unusually high up in a tree when I spotted it and had to shoot it long distance with the Telephoto lens.
These are often seen sunning themselves with their wings spread on the sides of a river or pond. Unlike most waterbirds, their feathers are not waterproof. This allows them to more easily submerge themselves to hunt for fish.
They are found primarily in South America, and only in the southernmost reaches of the U.S. Their name was given to them by the Tupi Indians in Brazil, and means "evil spirit of the woods", or "devil bird". (source allaboutbirds.org)
They are also often called "snake bird" for their long neck as it sticks out of the water while the rest of their body is submerged. Another name for them is "Water Turkey" since their tail resembles turkey tail feathers as seen in the above photo.
Enjoy this? Be sure to check out other recent post of Florida Birds Here.
Really loving all the new and diverse wildlife here to photograph.
Good afternoon, dear friend @ksteem
What a beautiful bird! I love the pattern and the color combination of its feathers. They're truly unique. I don't remember ever seeing this type of bird.
I appreciate your research and all the information about it.
Have a great weekend.
Wow! This is the first time I've seen such a bird! It looks very funny and unusual. Like a fluffy starling and a heron at the same time.
Thanks, I agree, first thought I had was like a bit fat starling at 20x size. Amazing swimmers.
Amazing bird with interesting names. 🙂
Most water birds don't need to dry their feathers, but this one is like a cormorant.
They first got my attention hanging out with their wings spread. I just haven't got shots of that part and couldn't bring myself to wait for a shot to post. Often described like a cormorant, and look similar flying.
Very cool. I don't think I have ever seen one of those before. I like the colors.
They look much different zoomed in like that. I didn't realize they had all that white color spot from a distance. They looked more like large black ducks with pointed beaks. Quite interesting to see how long they hold their breath and how far they swim underwater before popping up again.
Very cool! I just like the way the black and white worked together.
How I wish I can shoot also with my camera, you have a beautiful photos
Thank you. It sounds like you will have luck too.
Wow!
I didn't know this bird!
How beautiful it is!
Congratulations on the opportunity to take these magnificent photos!
Thanks. My first time learning about them too. Even more interesting to see now that I know more about them. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Great. Hugs!
Very beautiful bird, just black and white but really nice, the white ones look like needles
Elegant
Thank you friend! It was very nice to find some time to take these. I'm still working through processing all that I took a few weeks ago.
The color is very beautiful.
Thanks. They are unique looking up close.
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