Wednesday, February 2, 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?

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