Adult Black Skimmer flying over the Gulf of Mexico – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1500, ISO 250, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 95mm, natural light
It was thirteen years ago today when I took this photo of an adult Black Skimmer flying over the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County, Florida. It was warm that morning and the sand felt wonderful on my feet. The tang of salt was in the air and the sea breeze helped to keep me cool.
There were quite a few Black Skimmers in the area that morning. Some were resting on the warm sand, some were bathing in the water of the Gulf and a few were skimming for prey just off shore. Black Skimmers have unique calls that sound a little like a yappy bark from a dog. I loved hearing them.
I’ve missed seeing the Black Skimmers that I photographed while I lived in Florida. Watching them fly in after a night of hunting for prey in the pre-dawn light at Fort De Soto County Park was always a treat.
On that April morning I had no idea that just a few months later I would pack all my earthly possessions into my Jeep and a UHaul trailer and move to Utah a few months later. If I had known I would have taken several hundred more photos of them that day.
Black Skimmer were always fun and challenging to photograph. I miss them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Black Skimmer photos plus facts and information about this species.
I have never seen one of these birds, probably because I have not spent much time on a coast. They are amazing looking and so built for their life style.
Beautiful shot!
Gorgeous. I suspect the ‘if onlys’ haunt us all, but I am very glad that you caught this beauty at least.
Nice shot, Mia – Thanks for sharing! In Florida on the beach in Naples right now. Abundant black skimmers are enjoyable to watch and shoot! 😊
Yes! Time for a birding trip to the Gulf!
I miss them too after moving to Colorado… so much that is one reason I am making fall and spring visits to the Texas Gulf coast where I can see and photograph them again.