Black Skimmers at Sunset

Before and after nesting season, Black Skimmers will accumulate along the water's edge as the Sun lowers in the sky. If left undisturbed by humans, a short time before Sunset, they will all fly out to sea, some will return to the beach, and some will stay out to feed. A short time later, they will all fly out again and some will return. This pattern is repeated until the beach is deserted. Evidently, it is speculated that the emergence of small fish near the water's surface at dusk may account for this behavior. Engaging in tactile fishing, the Black Skimmers fly near the shoreline, skimming their lower bill just beneath the water's surface until they detect a fish. Swiftly, they snap their beaks shut to secure their prey.