Emergency Anhinga...

Today has been 1) cold, and 2) very busy. All of which led me to have to run out at 2 this afternoon in search of an emergency blip. And, isn't it great that I live in a place where an Anhinga can serve as my e-blip? I just love these birds and their amazing ability to twist those long necks into all kinds of positions. Plus, you can reliably find at least one on just about any lake - they like to perch on signs and branches, letting their wings dry as they preen and make themselves pretty, as this female is doing. I've posted a front view showing her mantle HERE if you'd care to have a look.

They are sometimes called "snake birds" due to their penchant for swimming with their bodies fully submerged and only their long slender necks/heads visible. Here is what Cornell has to say about the Anhinga...

The Anhinga swims lower in the water than many other birds due to its reduced buoyancy—a result of wetted plumage and dense bones. When at the surface, they tend to swim low in the water, often with only the neck and head above the water and sometimes with only the bill exposed.

Like cormorants, they must perch with wings spread to dry their feathers.

It got quite cold (for FL) last night with temps hovering around 40F. I had to drag out a turtleneck and fleece vest today. And, since it is so cool, it seemed like a perfect day to make a nice beef stew. I'm trying a new recipe which calls for a bottle of Guinness (in the stew, not the chef) and some dark chocolate chips to offset the bitterness of the stout. I'm quite curious to see how it turns out - it is currently in the slow cooker and smells divine.

Speaking of divine, last night's cobb salad was a hit - well worth all the chopping and mincing.

Happy Hump Day, people...

Debbi