pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

One of the birds that most fascinates me is the anhinga (aka Snake Bird, Water Turkey) and unlike many species, the female is the most attractive (as with humans). I constantly encounter males which are mostly black, but rarely see the females with their very attractive, buff colored neck, etc. Now here is dedication to the photographic art:

I was on a bicycle training ride this morning when I encountered this beautiful bird in a local park. I raced home on my bicycle, grabbed my camera, headed back to the park and shot quite a few shots of this bird until she finally tired of my presence and flew away. I then drove home, jumped on my bike, and finished the 25 miles left to do in my ride.

For those of you who are not familiar with this incredible bird, the Anhinga is a pre-historic bird of the cormorant family. It did not come equipped with oil glands hence after it fishes (which it does underwater), it must spread its wings and dry them prior to its next flight.

liebgard

beautiful shots

MrBennett Loc: Kent, UK

Fantastic set of this beautiful bird
I saw several of these in the Everglades last year and I am a big fan!
You really have done her justice here :-)

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Thanks liebgard and MrBennett!

sleepydrdr Loc: Chattanooga, TN

Fantastic set! Thanks for sharing and the info.

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Thanks sleepy!

Puglover Loc: Lakeside Ca.

Great shots!!! Thanks for sharing

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Thanks for looking Puglover!

carlysue Loc: Columbus

Well done and I appreciate your dedication to photoart and cycling! Love seeing their feathers extended, I know there was a purpose in that, but I just like to think she's showing off and struttin' her stuff.

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

Thanks carlysue - I think her feathers were dry so she was assuredly just showing off! :)

Caro382 Loc: Christchurch, New Zealand

Love your photos of this bizarre bird. Great DOF. I love our shags/cormorants for the way they dry off their wings like the anhinga. What a deadly -looking beak!

pedalmasher Loc: Seminole, FL

They are truly amazing birds - I have always loved encountering them. Re the beak, I once encountered one that had been hooked hanging out in a local park. I called a park ranger and when he arrived at the scene, he told me that you have to be very careful approaching them in that they will poke one of your eyes out with that beak. They do catch their fish by spearing them.