Female Anhinga portrait
Pinellas County, FL
D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/350, ISO 160, 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

Anhingas (Anhinga anhinga) have always fascinated me. I remember the first time I saw one it was swimming in the water with just its head visible. At that moment I thought it was a water snake until I noticed the very long, sharp bill. I had to go home and look them up in my reference books. Anhingas are also called “Snake Bird” and “Water Turkey”.

The female in the portrait above was watching a male display for her.

Male Anhinga portrait
Pinellas County, FL
D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/250, ISO 200, 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light

The male Anhinga in the portrait above was the male displaying for the female in the first image. They make a Krah-krah sound when displaying that is unmistakable.

Anhingas are inhabitants of southeastern wetlands, you’ll find them in swamps, rivers, lakes and ponds. I’ve never seen one in saltwater though. Personally I love the garnet red colored eyes of the males.

I don’t get to see Anhingas here in Utah, but I will look for them when I visit Florida again.

Mia