Birdwatchers along the Katy Trail have a new reason to bring their binoculars this month. Since late July, an Anhinga — a long-necked, snake-like diving bird more at home in Florida swamps than mid-Missouri wetlands — has been turning up at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, the wetland just off the trail that Times readers may recognize from our recent birding coverage. A local birder photographed the bird on Aug. 5, and the sighting has been making the rounds among mid-Missouri birdwatchers since.
Anhingas are nicknamed “snakebirds” for the way they swim with just their long neck and head above the waterline — and for good reason, you’d normally have to travel to the Gulf Coast to spot one. “It’s an unusual bird for mid-Missouri, but it’s often seen in this area during this time of year,” said Robert Pierce, a University of Missouri Extension wildlife and fisheries specialist.
Pete Monacell, chair of the Missouri Bird Records Committee, said the appearance likely traces to what’s called post-breeding dispersal — young birds wandering away from their nesting colonies once the season ends. “That behavior is often associated with young birds,” Monacell said.
Missouri wasn’t always this far outside Anhinga territory. The species used to breed in the wetlands of southeastern Missouri, Pierce said, before that habitat was cleared and converted to agriculture — a reminder of what Eagle Bluffs’ restored wetlands are standing in for now.
Anyone who wants a look for themselves can head out to Eagle Bluffs — bring binoculars, and don’t expect a guarantee. Wandering birds move on when they’re ready.
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