One of my most memorable moments from last Fall’s trip to Cape May was a beach full of Black Skimmers that we happened to stumble upon on our last morning after breakfast.
Black Skimmer flock from 2012
I was looking forward to the possibility of seeing them once again this year – and I was not disappointed! We learned that these birds like to gather near the 2nd Avenue jetty during the Fall months before they move on. Once again, after breakfast, we headed to the beach. First, we ran into Royal, Common and Forster’s Terns gathered near the shoreline.
Royal Tern with Forster’s Terns
Common Tern
Forster’s Tern with Common Tern
Then we saw the Skimmers.
Black Skimmers
Lots of Skimmers.
Black Skimmer Flock
Lots and LOTS of Skimmers.
Endless Black Skimmers
I was a happy camper!
Photo of me and Renee by my friend Dave
I was able to watch them skim the shallow water multiple times.
Black Skimmer skimming
Black Skimmer photobombed by a Sanderling
I saw them fly…
Black Skimmer flying by
I watched them preen.
Black Skimmer preening
…and regurgitate…
Black Skimmer regurgitating
And also sleep with me sitting on the sand not far off.
Black Skimmers getting some shut-eye
And, of course, I got many nice photos of them in general.
Black Skimmer
Black Skimmer up close
Black Skimmer straight on
More Black Skimmers
Could you ever have enough photos of Skimmers?
Part of the flock
Never!!!
Even More Black Skimmers, in case you didn’t get sick of them yet
One one final Skimmer to end the post