Darters are sometimes called snakebirds, because of their long, sinuous necks. I came across this small darter sheltering on a branch close to the footpath at Manly Dam.

The bird didn’t seem to be worried by my presence. I stood and watched it for a while, enjoying the supply movements of its wings and neck:

At one stage a couple of ravens started cawing. The darter showed some concern, looking skywards to see if there was any threat:

Darters use that long neck to hunt underwater, straightening it suddenly to dash out and catch their prey.

Here’s a close-up shot of the bird’s head, neck, and shoulders, with the neck coiled up in the resting pose:

The bird’s feet are webbed, good for swimming and for clasping a branch:

Spreading its feathers prior to a stretch:

Like cormorants, darters need to hold out their wings to dry:

Common name: Darter

Scientific name: Anhinga melanogaster

Approximate length: 90 cm; wing span: 1.2 m

Date spotted: 30 June 2020 (winter)

Location: Manly Dam Reserve, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’38.5″S 151°14’57.0″E