A couple of years ago I started a tradition of sharing photos of my favorite bird species from my fall trip to Cape May – the Black Skimmer. The photo opportunities seem to keep getting better and better each year. This year brought more flight action along with other unique shots.
Black Skimmer in flight
Black Skimmer flapping
This year, we stayed at a hotel near the beach. We could see the skimmer flock flying around the beach right from our window! It was nice to be able to walk over to them without even having to get into a car.
Black Skimmer flock
The Skimmers would often take flight and skim the ocean.
Black Skimmer skimming
Black Skimmer skimming
Black Skimmer skimming into a wave
Black Skimmer skimming the surf
While others were a bit lazy about getting their food.
Lazy Black Skimmer
After skimming, they would land in the shallow water and bathe when the waves hit.
Black Skimmer bathing
Synchronized bathing
Two Skimmers after they are done bathing
Young Skimmers found interest in objects along the beach; they would poke and prod at shells, sticks and rocks.
Black Skimmer flipping an oyster shell
Black Skimmer attempting to pick up a larger shell
Black Skimmer claiming its found object
Black Skimmer toying with a stick
Many of them were a bit more lazy in-between Skimming and took a snooze on the sand.
Adult Skimmer laying in the sand
Black Skimmer head-on
Young Skimmer resting on the sand
As with past years, the Skimmers would preen between snoozes.
Black Skimmer preening
Black Skimmer stretching
Black Skimmer rousing
Black Skimmer after a stretch
This was another great year with my favorite Skimmer flock.
Black Skimmer… yelling or yawning?
Black Skimmer coming in for a landing
Will I ever get sick of them?
Black Skimmer photo bomb
Black Skimmer tells me his thoughts
I think not!
Black Skimmer posing
Black Skimmers in flight