Drying Off

There is a small, cut off cove area in a corner of the marsh where we often see the small alligators go to keep out of sight of the big guys. This was where I saw this female Anhinga perched on a branch, drying off her wings. The anhinga is a water bird that fishes by swimming under water to find fish. After an Anhinga is done fishing, they need to stretch out the wings to dry off. This is also one of the few birds who’s common name is the same as their scientific name. Therefore…Anhinga anhinga.

3 thoughts on “Drying Off

  1. I love the metallic gleam to the wings – and the snake-like neck is fascinating. Great picture, Phil! All the best, Maggie

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  2. I finally learned to distinguish these from cormorants because of the differences in the bill, but I still see far more cormorants. On the other hand, the first time I saw an anhinga drying off, I did a double take. Those outstretched wings are something!

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