The Anhingas – A Tree Full of Snakebirds

My first look at a snakebird was in the pond next to the
apartment I used to live in here in Clearwater.

The pond was big, and I made a daily walk out of treading
the perimeter. This was heaven for me-the area was a sanctuary for all kinds of
birds, frogs, snakes and, one thrilling afternoon, a river otter! I always kept
my eyes wide open and my attention outward when I strolled around that pond.

I couldn’t quite tell what I was seeing that particular morning. Maybe it was the way the sun caught the water, breaking up images before they reached my eyes. It looked like the head of a snake sailing across the surface of the water. Then it disappeared. What the heck?!

I kept watching the general area until it reappeared, this time in closer focus. Now I could see the sharp yellow beak of a bird!

I didn’t have a computer back then, but I did have lots of reference books for my jewelry making work and I lost no time finding out what this bird was all about.

It was called an Anhinga, colloquially called a “snakebird”. They are underwater fish hunters. They’re found in tropical and sub-tropical environments, near smooth water, which makes it easy for them to stalk their prey.

After Anhingas have been fishing, they find a comfortable branch to hang out their laundry (their wings) to dry. Other members of their family (the cormorants) dry their wings in the same way. If you’ve ever traveled over “Alligator Alley” in Florida, you’ve probably seen dozens of Anhingas relaxing in the trees, wings outstretched,
contemplating their last fish dinner.

Ed and I passed by a patch of trees along an estuary a couple of days ago and listened while a group of Snakebirds chattered away, their calls sounding like something out of an old Tarzan movie. There were 6 or so perched in the trees, chattering with shrill rattles and clicks. It made me feel like I live in the most exotic of environments!