Buck Naked

Gallery: AvianPosted April 23, 2013313 views6 comments

Anhinga and newly-hatched chicks
Venice Rookery, Venice, Fl

Anhinga chicks are born blind and naked,(as are these hours-old chicklets) but are able to leave the nest when about two weeks old, if the need arises. If danger threatens, a chick is able to fall into the water and swim ashore, although they are then very vulnerable to predators such as alligators. A chick can climb back to the nest by using its wings and neck as well as its feet.

D800
500mm Subject dist: 25m
1/400 sec, f/8
Mode: Av
Metering: Spot
ISO: 1000
White balance: Auto
Flash: Off
Hand-held
Can't help the "messy" environment - that is where they LIVE.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on April 23, 2013 at 3:52 PM

An interesting view of an Anhinga domicile/family, and an informed back story. Good photojournalism, Sandy!

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Barb Pflaum on April 23, 2013 at 7:41 PM

Very nice image of the Anhinga and the tiny chicks! I don't mind the "messy" environment. I like seeing where they live. I also enjoyed the information you provided about them.

Registered on January 14, 2009, 316 Posts, 2724 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Frye on April 23, 2013 at 8:35 PM

Like it -- nice narration

Registered on February 3, 2007, 387 Posts, 1136 Comments

Comment posted by Patrick O'Healy on April 24, 2013 at 1:39 AM

Very nice. Florida was good to you.

Registered on March 13, 2011, 326 Posts, 1679 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on April 24, 2013 at 10:08 AM

Wow, never seen these before.. Thanks for showing ! Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on April 24, 2013 at 10:12 AM

Nicely shot Sandy.
I know absolutely nothing about these birds so your little back story was good to read. Is the nest on the water/by the water?

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments