Rare anhinga sighting puzzles Colorado ornithologists

An unusual visitor, an anhinga from the southeastern United States, has appeared in Colorado, puzzling bird-watchers and ornithologists. This aquatic bird, also known as a “snakebird” or “darter,” is typically found in warmer, humid climates such as the Gulf Coast and Florida.

Anhingas are known for their unique diving ability; their non-waterproof feathers allow them to become less buoyant and submerge to hunt fish underwater. After a dive, they spread their wings to dry in the sun.

The anhinga’s unexpected presence in Colorado has led to speculation about its journey. Peter Gent, chair of the Colorado Birds Records Committee, stated, “There’s no definitive answer why this anhinga is here, but most likely it was brought inland by a big storm along the Gulf Coast. Of the 20 species that have most recently been seen for the first time in Colorado, a large majority are species from the South, so another possibility is that climate change is influencing bird behavior.”

The rare sighting has created a stir. Photographers and dedicated bird-watchers have flocked to the sighting location, with telephoto lenses and binoculars, eager to document and observe this extraordinary bird in its uncharacteristic Rocky Mountain setting.

Anhingas are not adapted for long-distance migrations, making the storm-driven displacement theory highly plausible. This rare sighting highlights the unpredictable effects of weather and potential environmental changes on wildlife distribution, and adds a special entry to Colorado’s ornithological records.