Black Skimmer

Over a dozen Black Skimmers flying of water near a highway bridge.
Black Skimmer, Goose Island State Park, Rockport, TX; March 25, 2021
Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EFS 18-135 mm lens; 135 mm; ISO-100; f/8; 1/400 sec.

This page is for the Black Skimmer (Thyomanes bewickii). My first photographic evidence occurred on March 25, 2021 at Goose Island State Park, Rockport, TX. I was fascinated how these birds soared and moved together. They were very enjoyable to watch.

Black Skimmer soaring nearby.
Black Skimmer, San Joaquin Marsh, Irvine, CA, June 18, 2023
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens with 1.4x Teleconverter; 700 mm; ISO-4000; f/11; 1/1600 sec.
Black Skimmer starting its skim of the water with its elongated lower bill.
Black Skimmer, San Joaquin Marsh, Irvine, CA, June 18, 2023
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens with 1.4x Teleconverter; 700 mm; ISO-5000; f/11; 1/1000 sec.
Black Skimmer well into its skimming on the surface of the water. Most of its lower bill is submerges as it glides just over the water.
Black Skimmer, San Joaquin Marsh, Irvine, CA, June 18, 2023
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens with 1.4x Teleconverter; 700 mm; ISO-5000; f/11; 1/1000 sec.
Two Black Skimmer adults and two chicks on a small island with many Caspian Terns families nearby.
Black Skimmer, San Joaquin Marsh, Irvine, CA, June 19, 2023
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens with 1.4x Teleconverter; 700 mm; ISO-3200; f/10; 1/800 sec.
Black Skimmer flying nearby.
Black Skimmer, San Joaquin Marsh, Irvine, CA, June 20, 2023
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens with 1.4x Teleconverter; 700 mm; ISO-2000; f/11; 1/1250 sec.
Black Skimmer skimming along the surface of a pond with its lower bill in the water.
Black Skimmer, San Joaquin Marsh, Irvine, CA, June 20, 2023
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens with 1.4x Teleconverter; 700 mm; ISO-1600; f/10; 1/1250 sec.
Two Black Skimmers on an island with their chick. Several Caspian Terns and their babies are just behind the skimmers.
Black Skimmer, San Joaquin Marsh, Irvine, CA, June 20, 2023
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens with 1.4x Teleconverter; 700 mm; ISO-500; f/11; 1/800 sec.
Two Black Skimmers flying nearby.
Black Skimmer, Port Aransas, TX, February 23, 2024
Canon EOS R5 with Canon 100-500 mm L-series lens; 700 mm; ISO-400; f/10; 1/1000 sec.