I caught this Black Skimmer moving the usual full speed in a big circle around some marsh reeds. He would come around the marsh edge looking for fish and quickly disappear, and then suddenly reappear.
Making fast passes like this is how they hunt so if the circling is not a huge distance I try to stand a wait for the next fly by. It can be frustrating.
I have waited, began to leave, and had one zoom past… no shot to be taken.
This bird made a few quick passes and I was able to get these. Ant larger circles and I could implode, melt, or both.
ACE Basin, South Carolina.
Usually see these hunting in flocks, intriguing to see one hunting solo – definitely a workout trying to get them in the tin!
We have had big flocks lately and in almost every marsh area. And yes, really hard to photo LOL. If you like Skimmers click on the ‘Black Skimmer’ category on the menus here.