The Black Skimmer is distinctive for its unusual voice, a 'dog like bark', brightly colored reddish orange bill, and "skimming" behavior. When feeding, this coastal waterbird flies low [as shown with the 2nd photo from the top], with its long lower mandible slicing the water's surface in search of fish. Enabled to make hairpin turns; thanks to the long wings for their body size, I've seen an entire flock gracefully making a sharp "U Turn" in perfect unison. I read that the Black Skimmers weigh about 11 ounces (300 grams), and measure 16-18 inches in length, with a wingspan of about 44 inches!! Skimmers are the only birds whose lower mandible is longer than the upper. Also noted - the skimmers' eyes have narrow vertical pupils, highly unusual in birds, thought to help reduce the glare from water while skimming for their food. Nesting in our area is somewhat precarious, because of the choice where they decide to lay their eggs. Oftentimes, the nest [a crevice dug in the sand] is too close to shore, and it can be covered in high tide, or washed out by stormy surf. The population here in our area is dwindling; this particular day I saw about three dozen resting along the shore of the bay. Still the numbers around their habitual feeding areas in and around other coastal states hold steady. I've seen the Skimmers here, year 'round in Corpus Christi. They're also known to migrate farther south into Central America, and year 'round in South America.
BLACK SKIMMER[s]
photos taken: Oso Bay [Hans Suter Refuge] - and Texas A&M Birding Trail -- Corpus Christi Texas
such unique birds! i really like them, though. lucky you to have them year round. :)
ReplyDelete...it really depends, I see them often, then sometimes not at all. I don't know where they go to 'hide', but they return again and again.
DeleteFascinating birds!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to link up!
...at first glancing when I saw them for the very first time, I thought they were quite homely looking, but the more I see them, the more I like them. And, you're welcome Pat.
DeleteReally neat photos!
ReplyDeleteHi Anni, thanks for the invite and I linked up my post. I do love your Black Skimmers, they are cool looking birds. Have a great day!
ReplyDelete...thank YOU for linking up Eileen...your photos are always so awesome.
DeleteOh what a neat looking bird!!! I've only seen them a couple of times in "person".
ReplyDelete...hope you stop by again sometime Kerri...and if you have any bird photos to share, be sure and leave a link on the meme list.
DeleteNice photos. And thanks for the invitation to join the meme!
ReplyDelete...thanks Al...Glad you stopped by to share your images and link.
DeleteSuch romantic presentations of the skimmer! I love the bold markings on these birds! And the beak seems to be so long in proportion to the body!
ReplyDelete...thanks Gemma. I know one thing, I really REALLY enjoyed your birds this week.
DeleteI love seeing all the different and interesting birds that you photograph. The Black Skimmer is quite pretty and I am sure a joy to watch skimming the water. Their eyes are very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
...they're definitely interesting...a bit odd, but all in all still a beautiful creature.
DeleteLove the beaks on these birds. Gorgeous!
ReplyDelete...glad you enjoyed the photos!!!
DeleteBeautiful photos! I love the skimmer bills!
ReplyDelete...thanks Brian.
Deletea bird on my wish list. :) It would be so nice to see it. How it moves and behaves. Not only see images. Love your shots, just wish I had seen it.
ReplyDelete...I will leave you with an open invitation to come visit!! I know just the perfect spot to sit and view these.
DeleteLovely shots of the skimmers Anni and like your last comment, a bird I would really, really like to see.
ReplyDelete...thanks Phil...yep, as with all of us bird enthusiasts, there are way too many birds to add to our list of 'gotta see one'.
DeleteFabulous shots!
ReplyDeletehope from your comment someone stops by to visit with you so they too can see your incredible swan in flight image.
DeleteNice pictures you show.
ReplyDeleteHanne Bente
Great looking birds.
ReplyDelete...thanks Rajesh
DeleteMy what a big beak you have! Love the colors. It's sad their numbers are dwindling.
ReplyDelete...if I understand correctly the population is dwindling HERE 'cause of disappearing habitat area and human population scarin' them away. But, they are surviving well in other less populated bays and gulf waters.
DeleteWhat a stunning looking bird... thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete...thanks Andrew, glad to read you enjoyed the skimmers.
DeleteGreat post on the skimmers!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteWhat a remarkable looking bird. Lucky you to be able to see them.
ReplyDelete...thanks for dropping by this weekend Adam, and thanks for linking up so I could stop by and view your Mr. Redstart!!!
DeleteWhat a beautiful and interesting bird. I have never seen a Skimmer, but from your description, I am sure they would be a fascinating site. Your pictures, of course, are wonderful. No wonder You'd Rather Be Birdin :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
I have yet to 'master' a good photo of them in flight....some day. I'll keep trying. :0)
DeleteBeautiful shots Anni! Late visit from Camera Critters. Your visit at
ReplyDeletePets & Critters Nook will be greatly appreciated.
...thanks, glad you enjoyed your visit.
DeleteSuch lovely birds! I am yet to see a skimmer. :(
ReplyDelete...hope one day you can spot one. Thanks for the visit and taking time to leave a comment.
DeleteSuch photographs cause that the day is more beautiful. I am greeting
ReplyDeleteBirds, I think, enhance our lives.
DeleteSuper post and images of a very interesting species which brought back fond memories of watching them skimming during a visit to High Island some years ago .... amazing sight.
ReplyDelete...thanks Frank
Deletenice snaps!
ReplyDeleteGreat serie of photos!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a great bird watch!
Amazing post and a veru nice blog
ReplyDeletegreetings from my blog joanca