I hardly knew which way to look when this flock of Black Skimmers was actively feeding.
The sun was just up, but behind a cloud bank so the light was dim.
This entire pond is normally under water, but was drained for a couple of weeks to help control vegetation.
This has a bonus effect for feeding birds as any fish are concentrated in a smaller pool of water.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
May 9, 2022
There is not much I can say about these, except that I am fascinated by the Black Skimmers, so here are a few more images of them doing their thing.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
May 15, 2022
Very small catch, hence lots of trips to sustain themselves.
They swallow as they go, make a u-turn and come around again.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
May 9, 2022
A Yellow-crowned Night-heron was hunting along the edge of a small pond, wading into the grass rather than the water.
Success!
I have no idea what the meal was.
It went down the hatch in one quick gulp.
May 22, 2021
Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC
Another selection of Black Skimmers where the light was poor but the action was interesting as the birds wove around Alligators.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
May 15, 2022
The light was poor but the Black Skimmer action was outstanding.
The water had been allowed to drain from this pond for a few weeks as part of the vegetation overgrowth control efforts.
This left a very narrow strip of water where the fish were concentrated.
Some shore birds were feeding on the water’s edge and Black Skimmers were busy scooping up breakfast.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
May 15, 2022
Limpkin are known for eating the freshwater apple snail, Ampullariidae. But it turns out they eat other mollusks using their specialized beak.
This water outflow is near the maintenance facility at Orlando Wetlands, and provided a buffet of choices for this diligent Limpkin.
The green kerchief on his head is a leaf that stuck when he plunged his head into the water.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Mother Gallinule feeding a chick.
“I can do it!”
Watching Reddish Egrets showing off their fishing moves never gets old.
Black Point Wildlife Drive
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
April 12, 2022
A Great Blue Heron was showing off his hunting moves
I didn’t have to wait long this time for the plunge
Ah, success
A fish and vegetables
