Incoming Black Skimmers below.
If you don’t have a good open view good luck with catching the flight.
In The Marsh, Black Skimmers
Category Archives: Black Skimmer
Skimmers And Alligator
A group of Black Skimmers had no worries about this Alligator in their path.
I watched them make multiple passes up and down this marsh cut. Each time they came to the gator it was a quick lift and burst of speed. Only once the Alligator reacted, it was to splash his tail in frustration.
Black Skimmers, Bear Island, South Carolina.
Slipping By, Black Skimmer
Two photographs here that give a good example on how a Skimmer works the waters surface. In each you can see the trail left behind by the birds lower mandible on the marsh.
Hog Island, ACE Basin, South Carolina.
Fog, Skimmers
A few Black Skimmers found in the fog at Bear island.
Most of the photographs were after the fog started to lift, but we did get some nice action all through the morning.
Black Skimmers at Hog Island, in Bear Island wildlife area, South Carolina.
Marsh Scene, May 2024
I have been publishing a number of photos with the Black Skimmers. Here there is a Skimmer, but much more going on, so I decided to upload a wider shot.
- The first thing spotted of course is the Skimmer flying low over the marsh surface.
- In the background are three dark Gallinules, semi hidden in the fog.
- Further back are small white plovers feeding in the pluff mud.
- Last is the dragonfly. Must be a big one. it can be seen sitting on top of the old pole in the fore ground.
No matter where you look out in the marshes you will always find something.
Skim & Catch, Black Skimmers
The Black Skimmer can fish at speeds between 20 – 25 miles an hour. When lightly touching the surface what happens when they grab a fish ?
Well, they almost tumble right over. Except they don’t.
The bottom beak slams shut and their head snaps down while they are still flying forward.
They usually fish is small flocks in the marshes, but I have seen larger ones where they fly in formations.
Skimmer Making A Pass
A Black Skimmer making a pass over a marsh.
We always talk about the speed and agility of these birds. Maybe as interesting is how striking and colorful they are, if you can get a chance to see one slow enough.
Best viewed large.
Oops That Didn’t Go Well, Skimmer
It was still foggy, I couldn’t see the entire scene.
I did see the Skimmer had a fish, and then he didn’t.
Once these birds have prey few mistakes happen.
However…