One of the wonderful birds that I often see in The Garden is the Anhinga. Often called the Snake-bird because of its propensity to swim with only its long neck and head above water, it is also know as Water Turkey, Darter, or American Darter.
The Anhinga resembles the Double-Crested Cormorant. I tell them apart by looking at their bills. The bill of the Anhinga is straight and pointed (like the letter A) and the bill of the Cormorant has a hooked top (like the letter C)!
The wings of both of these birds do not contain oils. This makes it easier for them to dive and retrieve their underwater prey. I often see them sitting with their wings unfurled as they dry them out in our hot Florida sun.
If you have a photo of a favorite bird, send it to me. I will post the best ones on my next blog!
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