Penning Photography Daily

I rounded a curve in the trail at the pond and saw this bird – an Anhinga, wings spread out to dry in the late afternoon overcast sunlight. I thought it was a Cormorant, but because it does not have a hooked beak, I did some research and discovered this, new-to-me, species.

The Anhinga and Cormorant have several features in common. They both do not secrete oil to waterproof their feathers, and the both swim underwater for their food. The Cormorant has a hooked beak, which they clamp onto fish, snakes and other underwater sources of their food. The Anhinga also clamps onto food, but with it’s pointed beak, it can spear fish.

This Anhinga was drenched and spread out on the lower bank of the pond, trying to dry out its plumage so it could fly. They have been known to try to fly when not dry, and are seen skipping across the water, vigorously flapping their wings, trying to gain altitude while still laden with water.

I tried to get closer. It was watching me very closely, turning it’s long curved neck as I walked around the bank above it, hoping to find a better angle. As I stepped closer, it started to yell out a warnin gto me, all the while keeping its wings fully spread out. I left it alone and moved on, happy to have seen this wonder of nature as close as I had.

Sometimes, close is as good as it gets.