These photographs are from one of my favorite salt marshes, that rarely provide any wildlife opportunities but is a beautiful spot for landscapes.
As we passed by heading out to some large marshes a fortunate glance showed Black Skimmers fishing between the salt grass.
If you don’t know these unique birds let me say they are one of the greatest, and fastest, acrobats in the marshes.
Their lower bill is longer than the top. This bird literally skims the surface with his beak, and slams it shut when a small fish is caught.
A hunt involves flying quickly, dodging between any obstructions at high speed, and twisting to change direction. The best description I have is a large swallow, catching fish. You don’t get much faster than a Swallow.
Skimmers will actually fish and dodge between flocks of other birds such as Herons and Egrets.
Wildlife photographers love to find these birds because you absolutely need to be at your best. They will make you humble.
This is the first article in a series. A small flock gave us some great opportunities and yep, got blown away a few times.
ACE Basin, South Carolina.
Oooh.. these are LOVELY !!
Glad you liked it, about 5 more series to come. I don’t get this opportunity often and the stars all aligned for this LOL.
BTW, they are really, really, hard to photo. Makes it even more fun.
Wow!
LOL, Thanks so much
Love the reflection in the water!
These were taken early morning before our huge red sun took ver šš
Ted, these are fantastic! I know that you’ve wanted these shots with this bird for a long time. Glad you got them!!!
Iām not sure if they are as good as my previous ones from the shore. Need to compare.
You got a twofer here. Beautiful birds and landscape!
Thanks. Unpublished yet is multiple Skimmers and reflections. All unexpected
These are lovely.
They are a favorite with wildlife photographers. First challenge is being in a location that has Skimmers, second is being able to photo them. Well worth the work though.
They are magnificent birds! Outstanding moments and photos!
These birds make you work for every opportunity. One of the great photo challenges.