Anhinga at Play

[WIlliam Maroldo]

Sony A850~Sony 70-400G@400mm~ISO 3200~1/1000 sec~F7.1~manual exposure~HH~overcast~1-31-2011~Brazos Bend State Park, Texas~CS5
Sometimes I observe avian behavior that seems to be play. Here a young anhinga has grabbed a piece of wood, from the rotting wood where he is standing on the shoreline, and throws it up into the air and catches it repeatedly. The high-key background was the result of exposure of a somewhat dark colored bird with relatively dim overcast conditions and pushing exposure to reduce noise at ISO 3200. Indeed noise was very well controlled.
comments and critique welcomed. regards~Bill

[Randy Stout]

Bill:

Neat capture, like the story behind it, agree that this is a form of play/training behaviour.

Normally I would say that the trunk is too dominant, but it helps tell the story, part of his playground.

Excellent timing, angle in frame.

Well captured.

Cheers

Randy

[Colin Driscoll]

I'd say this bird has just lost a tasty fish when it failed to catch it from a throw- now practice makes perfect Good behavioural shot and technically pleasing.

[WIlliam Maroldo]

Thanks Randy and Colin. Colin, I'm sure you are correct in that it is practice for the fish throw and catch.
I've seen anhinga occasionally, but not often, lose a fish doing this. Other than that they are phenomenal fisherman, or fisherbirds to be more precise. I've seen a single bird catch a perch, a bass, and then a crappy within 15 minutes. regards~Bill

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Bill, I have always enjoyed your high-key approach and this is no exception! Great behaviour captured and lovely details on the bird.
Regards,
Nicki