There's a sizable black skimmer colony located on Lido Beach right in the city limits in Sarasota. When I say on the beach, I mean...On. The. Beach. The nesting area is cordoned off from the public, since skimmers are a protected species. Nevertheless, I was surprised by the size of the colony -- skimmers galore!
Naturally, out of the dozens and dozens of skimmers here, one cute little ham was ready for his close-up! (What a poser!) This pic shows why skimmers are also known as the 'scissor bill' bird. They're the only bird whose lower bill is longer than its upper. That long lower bill really comes in handy when they skim the water hunting for small fish! Love these unique seabirds. Hope everyone is having a good weekend! 
9 comments:
I've lived in Florida for 32 years and don't think I've seen these birds before. They're really cute! Do they inhabit or visit other beaches, too?
Fascinating-looking birds! Such beautiful markings, including the extraordinary bill. Thanks for the close-up.
Wow, look at all the orange!
Wow, what an unique bird. I never seen or heard of them before. They are beautiful. Thanks for these wonderful photos and showing them, now I learned about a new bird.
Handsome birds!
These are really striking birds and your little ham made the most of his close-up. It's great to see uncommon birds. Yours are so different from those in the Pacific Northwest.
I noticed their bills straight away SRQ.. how fascinating the way birds and animals adapt to their hunting requirements! Must have been wonderful to see so many in a colony!
They're rather photogenic!
Wonderful photos!
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