A pair of Anhingas appear to be in the early stages of courtship at the heron rookery in our local wetlands.
The male Anhinga sports a white crown as it transforms into breeding plumage:
The view of his back shows the corrugations in the central tail feathers as well as scapulars. Since it "flies" underwater to catch fish, these may act like "spoilers" on an aircraft to break down laminar flow and thus reduce drag:
The female of the pair has a buffy head, neck and chest:
MACRO of Male with green "goggles" at height of breeding season:
A female in breeding condition also has the green flesh around her eyes:
A male Anhinga at Corkscrew Swamp shows the feather corrugations as well as the oil gland at the base of its tail, which it uses to preen its feathers:
A young Anhinga preens on our back lawn. The immature plumage is dull brown:
This young Anhinga is drying its wings on a the post at the end of the boardwalk at Chapel Trail:
Anhinga on decoy in our back yard lake:
Anhinga casting a fine REFLECTION:
Anhinga feeding young:
This Anhinga seems to be admiring her reflection in the canal:
A closer look:
Slide show-- Anhinga eating a big fish:
If video does not display, click here-- https://youtu.be/nTkc3AfZHnQ
Short video-- Anhinga threat display:
If video does not appear, click here-- https://youtu.be/4G62BcJ_B8c
Excellent video by and property of Richard Kern, shared under terms of the Standard You Tube License. Especially watch for the male's magnificent breeding display. Its transformation reminds me of a Bird of Paradise:
If video does not display, click here-- https://youtu.be/EfoqPIcSQCQ
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Linking to Misty's CAMERA CRITTERS,
Linking to Eileen's SATURDAY'S CRITTERS,
Linking to GOOD FENCES by Tex (Theresa).
Linking to WEEKEND REFLECTIONS by James
Linking to BirdD'Pot by Anni
Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday by Stewart
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Please visit the links to all these memes to see some excellent photos on display
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Absolutely gorgeous and spectacular photos, Kenneth! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great series of shots. Loved that you focused on the single type of bird. I found it fascinating.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sky above the wetlands.
ReplyDeleteSydney – City and Suburbs
I've seen anhingas in Florida and Costa Rica, but I suppose I did not see the males.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
The anhinga on the decay made me do a double-take! Great photos.
ReplyDeleteanother fine series showing off this unique bird!
ReplyDeleteLoved the view of the dock and it's fencing. Those Anhinga's are very interesting birds. I enjoyed seeing them as we don't have any birds like that around this area.
ReplyDeleteamazing photos!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of that amazing bird and very interesting text.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful birds. We were lucky enough to see some of them when we were in Florida last month. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteKenneth Gosh I have learned a lot both from your gorgeous photographs and the 2 videos. Thank you so much and have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots as usual! The Anhingas look very interesting. I don't think I have ever seen one.
ReplyDeleteThose are great shots and reflections.
ReplyDeleteAmazing images, so enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteHello, awesome post and beautiful Anhinga images! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteTotally amazing! We live in Florida and see anhingas often and they never disappoint in their beautiful poses. When I showed photos of one last week someone commented that they were ugly...oh my! I don't think so!
ReplyDeleteHi. I'm visiting from 'viewing nature with Eileen.' So glad I took the wander over. Such gooooorgeous photos. I look to following you. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteWow...just wow! These are super shots, and very enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh Ken!!! These images are all so magical and so so super!!
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly, for adding and sharing the post with us all at I'd Rather B Birdin' this weekend. It's always so much appreciated.
Thats a decent hair cut on the male - our species of Darter does not have this.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Stunning selection of images
ReplyDeleteMollyxxx
the boardwalk is really beautiful and you've got pretty collections different types of birds there.
ReplyDeleteamazing photos. I am impressed the most with the feeding scene.
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots especially the one in feeding the young one.
ReplyDeleteFascinating shots - wonderful to see these birds, as they don't exist here in the States.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/04/this-is-what-hope-looks-like.html
Fantastic photos! I really enjoy nature. I feel like I am outside actually observing these bird. Thanks for taking me on a trip for a few minutes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant set of pictures and video, and all so close to home. Fantastic.
ReplyDeleteHandsome birds an great shots ,Nette
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots! I love the white topknot feathers and the pattern on the wings! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos! It's a very handsome bird.
ReplyDelete