Finding these birds one day while walking the beach down in Florida last month was certainly a sweet surprise for me, as I had never seen them before. On my second day there, I came upon a small group of what I would learn are called Black Skimmers. "Google" described them also as "Mystery Birds" They are unique because their eye pupils are like cat eyes with vertical slits. They also have amazing bills that are very thin and the lower part of the mandible is quite a bit longer than the upper part. These birds fly quickly over the water and stay low to the surface and as the bird's lower mandible glides over the water, when it touches something it will close it's bill and hopefully will have caught a fish for supper ;)
I did a whole lot of photography while visiting our youngest daughter and her husband. I have three more shares from my journey following this one.
Here is to hoping that you all are enjoying the last leg of Winter where you are. We have had a very mild season, maybe 2 to 3" of snow total. Today it is going to reach 70, and then the temperatures will drop once again and we could get some snow over the weekend, but I am not holding my breath. There is just something so pristine and lovely with a nice snowfall, and of course the taking of the photos.
Be blessed, stay safe and enjoy your week~
Remember to double click on the first image, to view a larger slideshow presentation after you have read the narratives~
I am joining in the fun with Eileen at:
Saturday's Critter
Anni at:
http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.com/
&
Stewart for:
Among the Black Skimmers were a few Royal Terns, another new bird for me. I will share more about them in a future post~
They are cool looking birds, aren't they.
ReplyDeleteLoves um
Your photos are wonderful l as always Mary! The first skimmer I saw was by itself and sprawled out on grass like the in the bottom right of that one collage. And he didn't seem to have eyes! I got all upset, was sure something was terribly wrong with this bird. Until I found it in my bird book and read that the sprawling was a common behavior. Anyway, I've since seen them in big groups like you show and I still get excited when I do! But I'll never forget that first sighting!
ReplyDeleteWhat fascinating birds, Mary! Their beaks look like they were an added after thought.
ReplyDeleteMary, first I'd like to tell you your link left at I'd Rather B Birdin' was broken...I added a correction. Hope you don't mind.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, we have skimmers down here along our coast line, but I must be honest I've never seen this many at once. Maybe 2 or 3 dozen, but you have hundreds!! What a glorious, glorious series. Absolutely phenomenal.
Thanks for sharing this weekend.
Hello Mary, awesome series on the Black Skimmers. They are neat looking birds, love their orange bill. Thanks for linking up your post. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day and the new week ahead!
ReplyDeleteThis is a bird I really want to see. The Skimmer flat out on the beach look like how I feel!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - In Melbourne, but jet-lagged!
Fabulous photographs, Mary, I love the captures of the birds in flight simply stunning. What an amazing sight to see.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mosaic Monday.
The Skimmer's beak is really unique, and the wings so graceful. Great shots of the crowds of birds on the beach.
ReplyDeleteWowzers! I so enjoyed seeing your series of photos of this skimmers! I've never seen these birds in person. Visiting from Mosaic Monday.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at how well you caught them in flight - excellent!
Hi Mary. Thanks for sharing these amazing images that brought back memories of my first encounter with this species many years ago.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary. I know you capture the essence of the skimmers there, both the species and how they can survive and even flourish on Florida's packed beaches. I hoped to see skimmers in Dominican Republic a number of years ago but never did, something I regret. Looks like I should have gone to Florida instead but I did see lots of Magnificent Frigate Bird, Laughing Gulls and Franklin's Gulls, and other species of which I forgot most. Hope you are keeping well.
ReplyDeleteThey are so beautiful, I love the Black Skimmer. Thanks Mary.
ReplyDeleteLe Paradis est là ;-)
ReplyDeleteCéline & Philippe
OH my, the photos take my breath away. Simply stunning.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see this species in action, Mary. It seems strange to see them where there are crowded beaches. As many fish-eating birds seem to have really smelly poop, I can't help but wonder if these birds are really unpopular with the sun-worshiping masses!
ReplyDeleteGreat images!
With best wishes - - - Richard
Wow, Mary these Black Skimmers really DO fly low - it's a wonder they do not collide with the crowds on the beach! Such vibrant photos of these mystery birds, who are really quite striking, both in colour and features. The flock flying over the water looks like it's going at super speed! Those bright beach umbrellas are obviously a very good idea!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous images, as always! Looking forward to the next batch in your Florida series.
Have a wonderful day, dear friend,
Hugs,
Poppy
Fascinating birds! I don't know if I've ever seen them before. You got some amazing photos!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, Your photos are beautiful, and the birds are so elegant and attractive, especially with that flash of orange on the beak. It must have quite a spectacular sight. Thank you so much for your visit to my blog, I've had a few weeks blog break while I deal with the winter blues, and now I'm back I am so pleased that dear blog friends haven't forgotten me. Once again your blog post has been an absolute joy, and a wonderful reminder that spring and summer are on their way.
ReplyDelete