Bay Photos by Donna

A bird that flourishes year-round in the Everglades is the fascinating, elegant Anhinga.

Anhinga, adult male

The adult male has greenish-black plumage overall, accentuated with silver-gray feathers and long white plumes.

The adult female is a bit lighter overall and their head is a pale brown.

Anhinga, female

Angina, immature or female

Immatures have light brown heads also, so they are difficult to ID whether male or female until they reach adulthood in two years.

Anhinga, immature, drying its feathers

Unlike most waterbirds, Anhingas do not have waterproof feathers.  It’s actually a plus for them; their wet feathers and dense bones help Anhingas slowly submerge their bodies under the water so they can slyly stalk fish.

The above youngster had something to say to me….

Anhinga, immature, talkin’ to me

Anhinga, immature

I was close enough to get some nice close-ups of its dark red eye and yellowish feet.  The eye will turn bright red in adulthood.

Anhinga, immature

Anhinga, immature