The two birds look the same, but as usual there is a catch. Firstly, I will show you the two birds swimming.
Here above the two birds look identical, as if it was the same type of birds swimming in the dam.
But as we all know, looks can be deceiving and in a twist on a pun, never judge a picture by its cover. Let me tell you that I was also deceived by the two in the water as I thought that they were a couple. The locals call the one at the back a snake bird, due to only its long neck sticking out of the water with the rest of its big body hidden below the water surface.
So come and see what I am talking about.
Note: This post is in support of the #SMaP Show Me A Photo Contest Round 95!
Here was the bird at the front and it was a Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea).
And here was the bird at the back. It is an African Darter (Anhinga rufa).
For some reason, even though both birds have the same habits, they are not related. The heron is related to egrets and bitterns and the darter is related to cormorants.
Both birds were out to catch frogs and I have posted both birds before, the one with a frog in its beak and the other with a water snake in its beak.
Great fun to be had at this little dam on a local golf course with the mountains and the clouds in the background.
These are all unpublished photos taken on 2022/11/19, as can be verified on the photo registration numbers. I was mightily surprised when the two birds got out of the water, and I saw that they were not the same types of birds. Difficult to judge them with just their snake like necks sticking up out of the water, but so interesting to see that they have the same hunting processes in the water.
Note: All information taken from my bird book called Birds of Southern Africa by multiple authors. ISBN 978-1-77584-668-0.
So, I hope that you have enjoyed the pictures and the story.
And That's All Friends.
Photos by Zac Smith-All Rights Reserved.
Camera: Canon Powershot SX70HS Bridge camera.
