Darters, or Anhingas, are found across the world, living near warm, shallow waters. The name darter comes from the fact that they impale prey with their long beaks.
There are four living species, three of which are very common and widespread while the fourth is rarer and classified as near-threatened by the IUCN.
If you’re interested in birds, here is a post on the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, one of the best known bird sanctuaries in India.
For more information on darters, here is a link to Wikipedia’s description
9 comments
Awesome. 😀 Watching large birds like herons prepare flight is an experience. Despite their long legs and gawky appearance, I’m always surprised how graceful they are.
Isn’t that true now. I recently spent two hours just watching herons and egrets flying around, having territory fights, feeding and generally having a nice time. The simple act of observation can be therapeutic at times, isn’t it?
That is true. Birds are fascinating. I had a small plastic in-ground pond in my backyard (about 9; by 4′) with gold fish. One morning a heron came to visit. After a nice snack, she sat for a while resting and then took to the sky. I couldn’t stop laughing at the n.e.r.v.e. of eating my fish. The next day, I didn’t see her but the rest of my fish were g.o.n.e. 😀
Aww…that’s so sad. You really don’t want your own to be part of a NatGeo real life episode. May their souls rest in peace.
After the shock, and after I shut my mouth, I laughed. They were only goldfish but royalty had chosen my table for a snack. I felt special. Ha ha ha ha ha ha.
Nice flight shot…. I think this one is more commonly known as an Anhinga.
Thanks for the compliment Stephen. Also, it’s always good to know something more. Keep dropping by.
Ah beautiful…. would have loved to see the upper part a bit 🙂
Thanks – shot it with a 55-300 lens but the bird was quite far away. Next time 😉