My photograph of an anhinga spearing a fish at Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach, Florida, is the lead image in The Guardian’s Week in Wildlife gallery. The gallery ran on October 30, 2026, under the headline “a fishing anhinga, a northern nutcracker and cuddling seals.” It means a lot to see a Green Cay Wetlands anhinga open a gallery of the “best wildlife pictures from around the world.”
Capturing a Green Cay Anhinga Mid-Strike
Anhingas hunt in a way that looks almost unreal. First, the bird slips under the water with only its thin neck and head showing. Then it strikes, driving its sharp bill into a passing fish. After that, it comes back to the surface with the fish still stuck on its bill. The whole thing happens in seconds. So the only way to get the shot is to be ready before the bird surfaces. That means watching the water, reading the bird, and keeping your camera up the whole time.
How an Anhinga Spears a Fish
The anhinga has a body made for hunting underwater. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, its feathers are not waterproof like those of most water birds. As a result, the wet feathers and heavy bones help it sink slowly and stalk fish below the surface. Once it spots a fish, the anhinga stabs it with its dagger-like bill. Next, it brings the catch up, flips it into the air, and swallows it headfirst. Because its feathers get soaked, the bird has to dry off after it fishes. That is why you often see anhingas perched with their wings spread wide in the sun. Once dry, they can soar high on rising warm air. This bird also goes by two nicknames. People call it the “snakebird” because only its long, curving neck shows above the water. It is also known as the “water turkey” because of its wide, turkey-like tail. The IUCN Red List lists the anhinga as Least Concern.
Why Green Cay Wetlands Is Great for Anhinga Photography
Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands is a Palm Beach County park at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road in Boynton Beach. It features 1.5 miles of raised boardwalk over 100 acres of man-made wetland. In fact, the wetland does real work for the county. It helps clean highly treated reclaimed water from a nearby water plant. For photographers, that boardwalk is the big draw. It takes you close to open water, marsh and cypress without disturbing the birds. Anhingas, herons, egrets, gallinules and alligators are all regular sights there. Green Cay also sits close to Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach, so you can easily visit both in one day. A few things to know before you go. The boardwalk is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The nature center is open Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drones, pets, food and fishing are not allowed. Hours can change, so check the official Green Cay page from Palm Beach County before your visit.
Tips for Photographing an Anhinga at Green Cay
First, look for a thin neck moving across the water like a snake. That is a hunting anhinga. Keep your lens on it, because it can strike at any moment. Second, use a fast shutter speed. I suggest 1/2000 second or faster to freeze the fish, the water drops and the toss. Third, set your camera to continuous autofocus and burst mode. The flip and swallow last only a moment, so you want a series of frames. Finally, be patient and give the birds space. Stay on the boardwalk, keep your voice low and let the bird come to you. Good wildlife photos come from respect as much as skill.
Photograph Green Cay Wetlands With Me
I lead small group and private wildlife photography workshops at Green Cay and nearby Wakodahatchee Wetlands. We work on camera settings, timing and reading bird behavior, so you can photograph a Green Cay Wetlands anhinga in action yourself. See the details on my Delray Beach bird photography workshop page.
You can also browse all of my Florida wildlife photography workshops: https://wildlifewithronen.com/wildlife-photography-workshops
Green Cay Wetlands Anhinga FAQ
Where is Green Cay Wetlands?
Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands is at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road in Boynton Beach, Florida, in Palm Beach County. It has 1.5 miles of raised boardwalk over 100 acres of wetland.
What are the hours at Green Cay?
The boardwalk is open every day from sunrise to sunset. The nature center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check the Palm Beach County website for holiday closures.
How does an anhinga catch fish?
An anhinga swims underwater and spears fish with its sharp, pointed bill. Then it surfaces, flips the fish into the air and swallows it headfirst.
Why do anhingas spread their wings?
Their feathers are not waterproof, so they get soaked during each dive. The bird spreads its wings in the sun to dry off before it flies.
Can I bring a drone or my dog to Green Cay?
No. Palm Beach County does not allow drones or pets at Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands.