Anhingas fish by swimming underwater and spearing their prey. They then need to air dry and are often seen with their wings fully spread. This one must have young to feed as he bypassed the usual process.
After he pulled himself out of the water, he took very little time to dry. He held the fish in his beak and worked his way up the stick.
Once airborne he had to really work it to get to the island about 50 feet (16 meters) away. I wasn’t sure he was going to make it; twice his wings dipped into the water.
He did make it, and disappeared into the island underbrush with his catch.
Love to see these birds fishing, you captured his expedition really well, love the photos.
Thanks, Maggie. They are interesting to watch. Later the same afternoon I took these images I captured another drop his hard earned fish in the pond. I was rooting for him to find it but he had to start over.
Poor guy, needs to learn to hang on tighter.
Terrific series!
Thanks!
Awesome series, and a good parent determine to make it to the young!
Thanks, Donna! I have another series to post later of an Anhinga that didn’t have the same fortune.