I guess even Black Skimmers need to take a break once in a while.
This first photo shows their unique bill clearly.
The only time I see them resting like this is in a large group. These two didn’t even bother to join the others. Maybe it was too crowded for even them. Lots of Skimmers around.
Another bird that has shown up lately. Wood Storks.
This is a subtropical and tropical species which breeds in much of South America, Central America and the Caribbean. The wood stork is the only stork that breeds in North America. In the United States there are small breeding populations in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. (Wikipedia)
There is a fairly big rookery not far from here, however it’s inaccessible being on private land. The owners keep it closed and for Storks that’s great. They like to have plenty of private space for nesting.
Places like the ACE Basin and Harris Neck (Georgia) have helped these birds population so much they are no longer considered endangered.
He walked across the trail right in front of me. As per the ‘unspoken agreement’ around here I passed by without looking.
However once past, and giving him space I did turn and take the shot. It’s only fair.
Buzzing all around and over them at full speed.
It would take a lot of luck to grab one going by.
They never even tried.
If you look close you can see multiple others heads floating in the background.
Black Skimmers and Alligators.
Last weeks fish kill was like a Las Vegas seniors day buffet special. Vultures came and never left.
Not a great angle, I just couldn’t wait for them to sit up any longer.
This shot should have been over exposed. It was almost noon, wide open in the sun. I can only guess a cloud moved in to save this image. There’s even a dragonfly (tiny, but there) on a tall stalk.
While no drama here I do like the marsh, and forest edge, background.
This is not a subtle bird. When they are around you know it. Loud calls, even louder chopping wood. It’s the biggest woodpecker in North America.
However, where else would you look to find one than up a tree? Certainly not down by the swamp water.
I don’t stop and wait around when I hear woodpeckers, this area is too dense for a clear shot. If that red head wasn’t in the sun patch I never would have seen him.
He had dropped down for a quick drink. I assume he waited and watched for a while, not the safest place for him.
A good day to take the long way down to a rookery. I don’t get many low opportunities with Pileated woodpeckers.
