Susan Kirby

Anhingas (Anhinga anhinga) are large waterbirds with S-shaped necks and daggers for their bills. In the United States, they can be found in marshes in the south, particularly in Florida and Texas. They rarely visit as far north as New York City, so it was quite unusual when a female (or possibly a juvenile) came to fish in the lake at Prospect Park in Brooklyn (apparently one hasn't been recorded in our area for a very long time). I filmed the bird on April 27, 2023.

This video shows the anhinga perched, then behind a bush with a fish as she turns her meal around to swallow safely. She perches on a lower branch to dry her wings by flapping them, spreading her tail feathers to get them dry as well. She then is seen perched again, preening, until she flies off across the water. Check out those webbed feet! (The sound was recorded while watching the bird, but is not synced with the video.)