The Black Skimmer is like the clown of the shore birds. They have so much personality, both as adults and chicks. The unmistakable bill is used with great precision as they skim the water snapping up fish. They enjoy a wonderful family structure with a commitment and intimacy I've rarely seen in birds. Both parents raise the chicks which is a constant battle with predators always in the air and on the ground. They usually nest with other shore birds in large colonies along side Least Terns, Royal Terms and even Snowy Plovers. There is nothing like bathing in the ocean during a sunset while these birds skim past you in near silence trying to catch their prey.
Females do battle for nesting sites
Love is in the air for the Black Skimmers
Mating time for the Skimmers
A gift for his lady
The eggs have hatched
The young stay close
Skimming the surface for fish
Attacking the predators who try and grab the young
Least Tern have problem with new neighbor
Daddy's home
Sleep time for family
Black Skimmer breaks through the surf
Skimmer chicks playing
Then things get rough
Skimming the surf
Mid flight itch
Shaking off the ocean
Skimming for food
Crowded nesting means battles in the air
A flock of Black Skimmers head home
