When they come in close and low getting a shot of one is tricky, a few… rarely in focus. The first photograph I was lucky enough to get the furthest bird with a fish.

These Skimmers were working the rice fields in a wildlife area.

It’s been an excellent year for the Skimmers. More than I remember ever seeing in the marshes. Usually the larger flocks are on the ocean shore just before migrating down to South America.

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, South Carolina.

When all the pieces come together. Black Skimmer fishing.

Best viewed large.

They work very hard to catch small minnows.

A few photographs of a fishing Black Skimmer.

This bird was working the edge of some open water in the large Donnelley wildlife area. We were able to just stand on a dike and wait for the Skimmer to make his circular passes.

I still find it fascinating they can move so fast, yet have such a light touch with the bottom of their open beak.

This was a nice catch. Rather than fishing through the muddy marshes this Skimmer was in an old rice field. An opportunity with clean open water.

You could clearly see the bright fishing bill, I was pretty sure the shots would be OK.

This single Skimmer worked the area in the usual circling paths giving me a few chances to get it right. It’s a Skimmer so you take all the help you can get.