The Anhinga - or - Snake Bird Photo

Photographer’s Note

I have seen this bird at Swan Lake, but it is nearly impossible to get a decent shot of them for they stay far, far away from shore. I've seen them with their wings outstretched for the longest time and didn't know they were drying them. I had a devil of a time even finding out what they were. Below is what I discovered on them.

The Snake Bird is very singular indeed in appearance, and interesting as well in its habits. Tropical and sub-tropical America, north to the Carolinas and Southern Illinois, where it is a regular summer resident, are its known haunts. Here it is recognized by different names, as Water Turkey, Darter, and Snake Bird. The last mentioned seems to be the most appropriate name for it, as the shape of its head and neck at once suggest the serpent. In Florida it is called the Grecian Lady, at the mouth of the Mississipi, Water Crow, and in Louisiana, Bec a Lancette. It often swims with the body entirely underwater, its head and long neck in sight like some species of water snakes, and has no doubt more than once left the impression on the mind of the superstitious sailor that he has seen a veritable sea serpent, the fear of which lead him to exaggerate the size of it.... More follows -
Snake Bird
:from birdnature.com

leo61, snunney, JCG has marked this note useful

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leo61 (43398) 2009-10-20 11:27

HI Shelly!
Good shot of this nice bird,never seen before.
Perfect sharpness and great colors and contrast.These blue reflections look nice,too.
Regards,leo

bracasha75 (22117) 2009-10-20 11:32

Hello Shelly
I am alreday two hour here and have not many will to writhe nobody ,it,s look that i have waith for you to became good will and i have became inspiration
Excellent shot of this bird at Swan Lake in SC
How are you and what,s give new???
All best ,Bratislav

Glint (3042) 2009-10-21 0:19

hello Shelly,
brilliant capture! Lovely light and colours with excellent sharpness.Nicely compoed with the snake bird having its back to the frame so looking into the picture.
regards,
Bev

snunney (34884) 2009-10-21 1:17

Hello Shelly,
A great close-up shoot of this fascinating bird with its long tail dipping in the water. The composition is well framed. Superb colours and sharpness. The reflection of the tail is a nice bonus. Very well done.

Dyerco (9078) 2009-10-21 7:49

Hi Shelly
Well you got a good close up this time. Well done. Good detail and nice light on the bird. It looks like a combination of heron, cormorant and peacock. The ironwork on whatever he is standing on even looks like a group of snakes.
Phil

JCG (25331) 2009-10-21 8:55

Hello Shelly,

Species of bird which seems endemic of the United States and which approaches much our European cormorant !!! A superb portrait here on the bird which seems in the search of a prey. Very beautiful quality of the image and an effective tight framing. A pretty photograph on the zoology of the area and an interesting note, thank you Shelly.

With all my friendships and with soon,

Jean-Charles

Sistercosmo (2573) 2009-10-22 8:46

Me again. ;-)

You've been busy posting and I don't have time to comment on all of your shots, but I particularly like the sharpness and here as well as the entire composition. Fantastic shot, my dear!

Hugs,
Linda

gunbud (27879) 2009-10-22 21:22

Hi Shelly,
I have been thinking about doing more nature shots and this shot is a definite inspiration in that direction.
I especially love the reflection of the tail and gnarly perch.
Regards, Tom

windosil (770) 2009-10-23 13:07

What a fantastic tail! And what a fantastic shot, to get him on that rock (?) with all the snake-like rusty bits!
And of course your usual perfect lighting, sharpness and conposition. Yes, heron/cormorant/peacock.
Thanks,
Winifred

jemaflor (39381) 2009-10-27 11:01

Hi Shelly,
Well taken, good map, perfect shot, well done.