Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 85 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 69 mm | 104 mm | 46 mm | 34 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 138 mm | 207 mm | 92 mm | 69 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 207 mm | 311 mm | 138 mm | 103 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 276 mm | 415 mm | 184 mm | 138 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 414 mm | 622 mm | 276 mm | 207 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 689 mm | 1,037 mm | 459 mm | 345 mm |
About the Anhinga#
The anhinga (/ænˈhɪŋɡə/; Anhinga anhinga), sometimes called snakebird, darter, American darter, or water turkey, is a water bird of the warmer parts of the Americas. The word anhinga comes from the Brazilian Tupi language and means devil bird or snake bird. The origin of the name snakebird is apparent when swimming : only the colored neck appears above water so the bird looks like a snake ready to strike.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Spread-wing drying pose in Florida swamps.
- Herons and egrets stand still for long periods — wait for the strike or take-off and use continuous AF.
- Sightings peak in January, February, March, April and December, which is when you'll have the most chances.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph an Anhinga?
At about 85 cm long, an anhinga fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 138 mm, or at 20 m with 276 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for an Anhinga?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Anhinga?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March, April and December. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources