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Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Wings on Wednesday

Howdee all,

I think the Anhinga is a beautiful bird…. Black Point drive, Gator road_070

The anhinga is a water bird. It does not have oil glands for waterproofing its feathers like most water birds. When it goes swimming its feathers get wet. This helps it dive and chase fish underwater. However when it is above water, it must spread its wings to dry in the sun. It can fly with wet feathers but not as well.

Black Point drive, Gator road_072

 The adults have beautiful white feathers. The long tail has given the anhinga the nickname, "water turkey". It is also known as the snake-bird because of its snake-like neck. The female anhinga is easy to spot. Her neck and chest feathers are much lighter in color than the male.

Black Point drive, Gator road_083

Look at that neck…

Black Point drive, Gator road_085Those eyes…Black Point drive, Gator road_096It stood there pretty much in the same position for over 20 minutes..Black Point drive, Gator road_097Just turning its head now and then…Black Point drive, Gator road_098

What do you think…is the Anhinga a Beautiful bird?

16 comments:

  1. Kerri FarleyWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    Yes - a VERY Beautiful bird! I've never seen one in person .... but would LOVE to! You got some great shots!

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  2. squawmamaWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    Great photos...
    Donna

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  3. eileeninmdWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    Wonderful photos, Dawn!

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  4. Appalachian LadyWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    Your photo really shows the beautiful coloring. I always thought they look like they were black. Great shots.

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  5. UnknownWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    Great photos of an interesting bird!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  6. Dawn FineWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    Thanks Everyone for your comments.
    I am glad you agree that this is a beautiful bird!

    Appalachian Lady~ The males are all black:)

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  7. UnknownWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    Great post!! I learned a lot and enjoyed the pics too!!! :D

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  8. GaelynWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    It certainly is a beautiful bird. Love that long neck twisting around.

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  9. RoyWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    That is a strange looking bird Dawn.

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  10. Julie G.Wednesday, 02 February, 2011

    Yes, indeed, the Anhinga is a most beautiful bird. I have only seen them down in Florida. Quite an impressive sight when drying their marvelous wings. Fantastic images, Dawn! So pretty against the colorful leaves.

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  11. RobbieWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    What a neat bird!!!!

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  12. Harold StiverWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    Love it!! We had an Anhingha here in Ontario a few years back. man was he lost!!

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  13. Jess OutsideWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    I vote yes, they are beautiful! Thanks for the photos.

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  14. Hilke BrederWednesday, 02 February, 2011

    One of my favorite birds when I was visiting FL. You got some great pics! I wonder what's in the bird's crop. Big catfish?

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  15. AdeleThursday, 03 February, 2011

    Yeh its beautfiul. I wonder if that is Craig's goldfish stuck in its neck.

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  16. FABThursday, 03 February, 2011

    And from my limited experience (seen in Florida) it swims with only the head and neck above the water. Glorious images Dawn.

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ok what do you really think?????