Friday, July 29, 2016

Skimmer School in Session

(photo by Laura Scullin)


Although an occasional Least Tern can still be seen hanging around the colony, most of the chicks have already fledged and have headed south.

Least Tern fledgling seen in the colony 7/20 (photo by Don Ellson)

Pair of Least Terns and a chick seen 7/22 (photo by Laura Scullin)

The Common Terns are still in the colony and their chicks are growing rapidly. An occasional American Oystercatcher  (or two) also stops by the colony.
(photo by Laura Sculin)

And Green Herons can often be seen in the nearby trees.
(photo by Alex Sabbeth)

But the Black Skimmers seem to own the beach right now. They can be seen everywhere...in the colony with some new chicks, feeding their growing chicks, hanging out at the shoreline, skimming along the water, relaxing in the sand.  
(photo by Don Ellson)
(photo by Don Ellson)
(photo by Don Ellson)
(photo by Laura Scullin)
(photo by Laura Scullin)
(photo by Laura Scullin)
(photo by Laura Scullin)
(photo by Laura Scullin)
(photo by Laura Scullin)
(photo by Alex Sabbeth)
(photo by Alex Sabbeth)
(photo by Alex Sabbeth)
(photo by Alex Sabbeth)
(photo by Don Ellson)
(photo by Don Ellson)
(photo by Don Ellson)
(photo by Don Ellson)
(photo by Don Ellson)

Many of the Black Skimmer fledglings are busy participating in "Skimmer School" which involves learning the art of skimming along the water and trying to catch their own food.  It is a joy to watch their successes and entertaining to watch an occasional mishap.
(photo by Don Ellson)
(photo by Don Ellson)
(photo by Don Ellson)

Sunday, July 17, several Black Skimmers were banded.  New "field readable" bands were used so you can see both a metal band and black & white bands on each bird.  While being banded various measurements were taken and recorded to help us learn more about these magnificent creatures.

(all banding photos by Mary Ann Walton)

5 comments:

  1. Send an email address and I will send the picture Marlena (?) took of the South American bird at the south end of Wrightsville Beach yesterday (16 August 16). Thanks, Alicia Alexander inshiradu@gmail.com

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  3. Because the possibility of losing a return due to a huge number of hungry birds, when you can cover the trees with antiuccelli organize? Here there are chances for the counter bat Network, winged creature knit and protection from birds.

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