Anhingas belong to the water birds and are known for their habit of spreading the wings open to bask in the sun. This behavior serves several important purposes: Thermoregulation since theirs feathers are not waterproof, therefore they dive and swim underwater easily when hunting for fish, Feather Drying since their feathers are not water repellent, Preening Access, Oil Distribution during preening, Drying the Wings since they are unable to fly with wet wings and Visual Threat Display to potential predators.
This image was created in one of the wetlands in South Florida, when found this anhinga backlit, in a semi silhouette. Used a Nikon D4 with the Nikkor zoom lens 80-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 400 mm and these settings: ISO 800, f/5.6 and 1/1000 sec. The image was PP in LightRoom and cropped.
5 comments posted
Kathy Buckard
Very educational image. Your explanation is something we don't think about when photographing the birds. Love the backlit image. Now have a greater understanding of their habits. Posted: 12/02/2024 13:31:03
Ted Evans
(Group 46)
Doc,
The backlit pose is unique. This species is similar to the northern Double-crested Cormorant. As mentioned, they are excellent swimmers and fishers. Their strong webbed feet and sharp curved beak help them spear and capture unwary fish. Posted: 12/04/2024 17:19:35
Sarita Yeola
Isaac, I like how the light is perfectly outlining the bird. The color of the light passing through the wings is beautiful. The black bird is very nicely exposed showing the details in the feather. The feathers on the Anhinga's head standing up made me chuckle a little. Perfect image! Posted: 12/11/2024 18:03:43
Gerhard Geldenhuys
Very well seen and captured with ,the light from behind , which most of us shy away from . Very informative description with interesting facts. Posted: 12/12/2024 20:42:56
Gloria Grandolini
Isaac Beautiful image - really seems the bird is posing for you. I agree with others that the light is magnificent. I also like the blurred background. Posted: 12/16/2024 23:52:08
