Black Skimmers are fascinating to watch as they swoop low over the water, their lower beak in the water to scoop up prey. I spotted two on the far side of a big pond on the wildlife drive, too far for a decent photograph. Then they came closer and dropped in the middle of a small flock of shore birds, something I had never seen them do.

The Dowitchers weren’t disturbed by the Skimmers’ arrival, but were having their own flap-abouts.

Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island, FL
February 9, 2025

Long-billed Dowitcher ID by Merlin Bird ID app