This Black Skimmer went by my, at this exact spot, twice. I know that because at the first opportunity he blew right by me. I caught nothing.
Skimmer Reflections
These were some of my first photographs of the day, I probably wasn’t ready for Skimmers (a joke).
Skimmer Reflections
The second time I tried letting up on my focus when he disappeared behind the salt grass. I picked it up again as the bird came out the other side. Ha! It worked.
Skimmer Reflections
The lens didn’t fight to find the bird going by. Saved by ‘back button focus’.
I use that method with Herons and Spanish Moss. However the difference is like shooting a snail and a rocket ship, LOL.
Salt grass grows in thick patches scattered through this large marsh. The Skimmers maneuvered between them easily, at high speed. An amazing feat.
Black Skimmers In A Salt Marsh (2)
Up until these shots they had been working side to side. I could grab quick photographs when they emerged between the grasses.
Black Skimmers In A Salt Marsh (2)
This time they surprised me and made a quick turn directly towards me. Focusing on a speedy bird in flight, from straight on is close to impossible.
As luck had it they banked a small amount to my right giving me a little bigger target. Previously I wrote about using the right gear for the job. This is an example of that.
Black Skimmers In A Salt Marsh (2)
These images were taken with a Canon 7D2, using a Sigma 150-600 C lens. Both items are made specifically for wildlife and sports photography.
These photographs are from one of my favorite salt marshes, that rarely provide any wildlife opportunities but is a beautiful spot for landscapes.
Black Skimmers In A Salt Marsh (1)
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.
Black Skimmers In A Salt Marsh (1)Black Skimmers In A Salt Marsh (1)
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.
Black Skimmers In A Salt Marsh (1)
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.
Black Skimmers In A Salt Marsh (1)
Skimmers will actually fish and dodge between flocks of other birds such as Herons and Egrets.
Black Skimmers In A Salt Marsh (1)
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.
