After People, Gulls Appear to be the Biggest Threat to Black Skimmers on Public Beaches

If you watch the nesting Black Skimmer for a while, it becomes obvious that after humans, Gulls are the biggest threat to increasing the number of Black Skimmers. Gulls are attracted to the food and garbage people leave on the beaches. Even worse, people like to feed the Gulls. When they cannot find easy access to people's food, they look to the next abundant sources. During nesting season, this just happens to be the local colony of Black Skimmers that return to this area every year. Not only will they steal fish that the adults bring to feed their young, but the Gulls will also prey on the eggs and chicks. Gulls are relentless and seem to have no fear.

In the video a Gull keeps coming back to finish off an egg it has already destroyed.

If you visit the beach, please don't feed the Gulls, and be mindful of your garbage.