Skimmers are amazing birds that fly like a jet over the surface of the water, skimming small fish as they go by.
I describe them as large Swallows since that’s how fast and agile they are. Frustrating to photograph since they move in patterns only another Skimmer can understand.
Below was my only semi-chance at catching them skimming the fish. At least in the first shot I did get a catch.
The rest of the time these birds tormented us by calling out loud, as they dodged around us.
Yesterday morning was steamy hot and humid. But I did get to watch a Skimmer ballet for a while. Before heading back to the air conditioning in the car.
According to Cornell’s All About Birds, these skimmers have some of the fastest reflexes in the annimal kingdom – no time to think, their bill just snaps shut on whatever obstruction it feels.
Yes ! And their head snaps back 😳. I think there’s a shot of that in one of the photos.