Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Look at me. Look..at..me.....!!


Although not the most attractive bird the Darter also known as the 'snakebird' because of the way they swim with their bodies submerged with just their long neck showing above the surface, does seem to give the impression of being a bit of a showoff! You often see them sitting like this on the rocks around the marina and the river, however since reading up a little I've discovered that their feathers are not waterproof so they do this to dry off, not show off!! They use that long spiky bill to spear fish and the water around the marina has abundant fish of all sizes, not sure what they are but  you can see (if you click to enlarge) they range from a good size to shoals if tiny fish. Just one of the many bird species that live around Perth waters. I hope your week has started well, take care and stay safe.....
Can you see him showing off down there.....!


39 comments:

  1. We have those birds but call them Anhinga. I love watching them and once happened upon a young one who let me get very close for pictures. They are very cool the way they dry their wings. I love your pictures of him!!

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  2. That first shot is really good, the light, colors and composition are lovely...... compliments.

    greetings, Joop

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  3. You still managed to make this bird look absolutely fabulous! Love the "show-off" poses - the water and light here are just stunning.

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  4. Well, quite possible that he's a little show-off, but with the size he can even venture a bit, I think so. It's definitely a great shot!

    Kind regards, sunny days
    CL

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  5. Love these birds and you've captured this one well! We call them anhingas, too, and they are plentiful in Florida.

    Re your comment on The Villages: That railing could have come from Europe. The Villages is a Disneyland for adults. Everything you see is 30 years old at the most, and Lake Sumter Landing is only about 10 years old. Buildings and artifacts are all made to appear as if they are of a certain age. I think the railing is probably a copy of something European. :-)

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  6. We have such birds here too; I like the way they dry their wings; real stars, indeed!

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  7. It sure looks like it would be easy for him to catch a fish in that water!

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  8. We don't have them here, but the "wing drying" is the same as what our local cormorants do, for the same reason.

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  9. Surely he is a cousin of the cormorant: same way of spreading the wings. Gorgeous first shot!

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  10. magnifique photo de cet "oiseau-serpent"

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  11. I would have thought he was doing a mating dance. Interesting that he is just drying off!

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  12. He's probably showing off, just wants you to think he's drying his wings.

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  13. Well captured. The fish don't stand a chance in such clear water.

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  14. At first, I thought that this guy was a cormorant! But I think that this one's neck is a tad longer and less shiny black too! I so love watching the drying of wings tradition! They do seem to show off! Great photos!

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  15. Okay okay!!!:) Did you just use a quote from the Dark Knight? Durng the scene, when the Joker is "interrogating" the police officer??? If so, very awesome!:) We have these birds here and I've always thought the same thing. They eerily cool as they slink through the water. I love when the air out their wings. Great moments captured:)

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  16. Such a wonderful environment you call your own. Impressed. Please have a good Tuesday.

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  17. A rebel 'show off'!!! No way is he/she taking notice of - NO FISHING.

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  18. What a show off. Paid off though.

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  19. Lovely photos Grace. Strange that a bird that fishes in water doesn´t have waterproof feathers. I had often seen them with their wings spread out, but never thought of the reason!

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  20. Great photo and info, I always take the opportunity to photograph these birds as they make a great subject, as you know they aren't going to move away in a hurry.

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  21. Adorable gorgeous bird!Your pictures are beautiful!
    Hugs and a nice day to you,
    Léia

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  22. Il étire ses ailes comme toi tu étires tes bras quand tu as trop :-)chaud

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  23. Wonderful photos. The top one has an artist's feel to it with the abstract sea and the outlines of those lovely wings.

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  24. Beautiful shot the first one. We have a simular bird here too, call them "aalscholvers", cormorants in english?

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  25. Grace, what a beautiful place you call home.

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  26. what a cool critter ... not the snake part, but the rest ..

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  27. Looks like he is posing for you Grace!

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  28. He does look like a bit of a show off but, that is a good way to dry those feathers.

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  29. I felt certain I had commented on this wonderful bird yesterday, but I guess not??? He does indeed seem to be posing for you and what a great close-up!! Hope you're having a great week, Gracie!

    Sylvia

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  30. Gostei muito do teu trabalho,obrigada pelo carinho e fico feliz por te ter inspirado...
    Cumprimentos...

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  31. Love that top shot again. Fabulous capture Grace and thanks for the info about these birds. I have no idea about birds at all. Many thanks.

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  32. I love it when they open their wings to warm up under the sun!

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  33. Wow Grace, would have loved to been by your side watching this beautiful creature..excellent shot!

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