Anhinga swimming by Rick Read
This photo reveals why some people call this bird a “snake bird”. It certainly looks like a snake with its curved neck, tapered head, and narrow bill. The species name is anhinga.
Anhingas do not have waterproof feathers and have solid bones, so it lacks the buoyancy of other water birds. Its body sinks below the surface while swimming. But that allows the bird to hunt underwater and spear fish with that sharp pointed bill.
Anhingas can be misidentified as cormorants as they are closely related. Both have black bodies, dive underwater for fish, and spread their wings to dry them off. Wet wings make flight very difficult or impossible. Drying them also helps to regulate their temperature.
A brown neck and breast identify the female. A black neck identifies the male. Both sexes show silver and white colors on the upper wing, which is evident while spreading their wings to dry them out. Its long tail helps distinguish it from the cormorant and is very evident during flight.
Anhingas may be sighted around any body of water, but I see them most often around our BSMCC golf ball driving range pond.
PEACE RIVER AUDUBON ACTIVITIES:
October begins the season for field trips and presentations. But those plans are in flux at the time of submitting this article. Please check the website for the most up to date information.
• Every Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Rob Mills leads a nature walk at Audubon Pennington Park, 1153 Alton Rd, Port Charlotte.
You do not have to be a member of PRAS to join us. Participation is free and registration is not needed. Visit the website at http://www.peaceriveraudubonsociety.org for all the details or you can contact fellow BSM resident Rick Read at 574-870-2695 for information or car-pooling.
