Friday, December 9, 2011

What's in a name

Thanks to the ABC principle that was burned into my subconscious whilst completing a 365 photo project last year, I was prepared when I happened upon this anhinga striking a familiar pose - for anhingas, that is. Since water does not run off their backs, like a duck's, anhingas must dry their feathers after diving for fish and frogs if they want to take to the air again.

Now anhingas are also known as snakebirds since most of their body is underwater as they swim on the surface with only their long neck and beak showing. I've seen them swimming like that, and the name is an apt one. But apparently they're also known as water turkeys, and to be honest, I just can't make the connection. No one here mentioned them during the recent Thanksgiving celebration.

(70-200mm  f5.6  1/80 sec  ISO200)


23 comments:

Amelia said...

Hi Rick, this photo is excellent, you caption it at the right moment.
Very beautiful and I love it.
Have a nice weekend.

magda said...

Fantastic photo Rick!!!!
Is very successful!!!!
Congratulations!
Have a nice weekend!
Many greetings

Elizabeth Grimes said...

You caught him in a great pose. Nice job!

Lúcia said...

He was posing for you!
Very interesting story about its name.
Have a good weekend Rick! ;-)

Ruth Hiebert said...

A great shot.I had never heard of them being called Water Turkeys. The only resemblance I can see is the pattern on the wings.

Leslie said...

They are elegant when they dry their wings like that. I believe that's a female - they have lighter colored head and neck feathers. We have a mated pair at the lake near our home - I've never seen that before. Usually just see one at a time - either male or female. I think they're such cool birds. Great shot!

Lisa Gordon said...

This is just wonderful Rick!
You caught this at the perfect moment.

Saz said...

What a fantastic shot Rick!

S. Etole said...

What an intriguing bird and pose.

imac said...

Love the shot Rick.

Bout time you had another challenge,lol.

Why not join our little group - eh Rick.Im sure you would be a formidable Headbanger my friend.

Soraia Brito said...

Great shot!! :D

Teté M. Jorge said...

Different and beautiful animal, honey!!! Ready for the flight? :)
Super great beijo!
Nice Sunday too!!! Hugs and love.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

I learned something new. I've seen these birds, but didn't know their name.

nela said...

Piękne zdjęcie!!! Pozdrawiam:)))

BlueShell said...

Nice Shot!
Here, in Portugal, we do not have them...It was the first time I saw one: I thank you for that.
Have a good sunday.

Oh...today I have a low back pain.
I have taken pills for pain ... in vain!
It still hurts a lot.
I can hardly write

Kiss
BShell

Katherine said...

Snake Bird strikes a pose... Rick clicks a button on his Canon & a wonderful moment is captured! Beautiful photo of his gorgeous plumage.

Rick said...

Thanks so much, Amelia ! Good thing they hold this pose for a while. Enjoy your week !

Hi Magda - thank you for your visit and kind words. I hope your week is also very good !

Thank you, Elizabeth !

Ha ha - I'd like to think so, Lúcia ;-) I hope your weekend was a good one !

Thank you, Ruth. That's as good an explanation as any I've found.

Rick said...

Thank you, Leslie (you obviously know a lot more about them than I do !). I agree - very interesting birds - I'd like to get a shot of one swimming.

Thanks, Lisa - he/she gave me lots of time !

Thank you, Saz !

I agree Susan - we don't see these up north.

Thanks, Stewart ! Ha ha - I have a few challenges already and just don't have the time to add another. You (and the headbangers) are doing a yeoman's job, however ! But I thank you nonetheless.

Rick said...

Obrigado, Soraia !

Yes teca - down here I am being exposed to many birds and animals, flowers and plants that simply don't exist 'back home'. That's the wonder of this creation. Thank you so much ! I send many beijos and hope your week goes very well my friend.

Hi Laura - I'd only ever seen them here in Florida; I've been trying to learn more about all the new things I experience here. Thanks for dropping by and have a good week !

Dziękuję bardzo wiele dla wizyty i Nicei wyrazów, todo

Hi BShell - we do not have these in Canada either; I learned about them here in Florida. Obrigado ! I hope your back heals quickly - that can be very painful !

That's about it, Katherine - he/she was preoccupied (although it did turn around and look at me) and I got a few shots. Thanks for coming by again - nice to hear from you !

darlin said...

Rick, as per your norm, this is a stunning shot. I was thinking... ya I'm still doing that, why don't you capture one of these birds and cook it up and let us all know if it tastes like turkey! lol

ebru özgün said...

a great visual Rick!!

Rick said...

LOL Darlene ! Maybe I can (really) capture one, take it home, and have it as Christmas turkey ! ;-) Hmmm, not sure my wife would agree !

Thank you, ebru !

darlin said...

LOL I don't think that you could get that one by her! So my next suggestion is don't do it and just say you at least gave it some consideration!