I thought I might see this Anhinga dive and catch a fish. Instead she swam passed me, rhythmically arching her neck back and forth as she propelled forward.
And she dropped lower in the water.
I wondered
how low
would she go? And why didn’t she dive?
She was making steady progress and after a few more beats rose back up a bit and swam out of my sight scoring points for style but not getting any breakfast.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
Rice field canal
August 29, 2021
neat pics. I didn’t know birds swam like that.
Thanks! Anhinga actually hunt under water, spearing fish with their beak. Usually they will swim a few strokes then dive, sometimes making a big splash with their tail. They can stay under 10-15 seconds or more, and cover quite a distance. If successful they will pop up with a fish, which they swallow whole. It’s pretty interesting to watch.
You’re welcome, sounds interesting to watch.
She was posing for you
That’s what it felt like!
Most fascinating bird you managed to nail Ellen, great.
Thanks, Hans. Anhinga are one of the most amazing birds we see with their water and land behaviors.
Wonderful!!
Thanks!