A flock of mostly Black Skimmers with a few terns, gulls and Oyster Catchers mixed in were occupying a sand bar at the edge of the ocean near where the Kiawah River runs into the Atlantic.
Black Skimmers Taking Off
As I’ve seen before some signal is received by the birds and they all take off and relocate at once.
Black Skimmers Over Ocean Surf
This was just past low tide and their real estate was shrinking quickly with the incoming tide. They settled down on the next available spot, dislocating a few pipers.
Black Skimmers Landing at Beach
The terns were more inclined to stay put, not minding the surf lapping at their legs.
Black Skimmers sometimes do a U-turn over the water and skim back the way the came. Other times they lift up and go back where they started or pick a new place to feed.
Black Skimmer in Flight
It seems reasonable that wind direction and food availability figure in their decisions.
Black Skimmer in Flight, Grass Caught in His Jaw
Whatever the cause they are as beautiful in full flight as they are when they are skimming.
One of the challenges in wildlife photography is choosing where to stand. Should I stay put or go to the next opening for a better view? Will the bird stay on the same path or veer to the left? Are there any Alligators nearby?
I saw this pair of Black Skimmers coming towards me along the edge of the pond. My view was obstructed of their approach by the reeds.
Black Skimmer Pair
I got lucky and they stayed together and moved into the center of the open water. I stayed put and got an aerial show.
Black Skimmer Pair
I love to watch these birds fly and wonder when they are in pairs how they stay synchronized.
Black Skimmer Pair
Their fishing is done by touch and when the Skimmer feels a fish in the water their heads snap down as they lift the prey.
Previously I have seen Black Skimmers skimming on calm ponds. On this day I saw a few from this crowd doing it in the ocean.
Black Skimmers at Surf’s Edge
As you can see above the Atlantic Ocean surf was not particularly rough, but it sure is a different challenge for a Skimmer.
Black Skimmer Skimming past Tern
This one hugged the surf line, ignoring other birds along the way.
Black Skimmer Skimming in Ocean Surf, Sand Piper in Foreground
With the surf in constant motion he had to also alter his path. I did not see him catch anything, although they can gulp it down on the fly and keep on moving.