Juvenile skimmer staring at himself in the pictures. The cones above were stationed all over the beach area where the skimmers had been nesting.
Juvenile skimmer getting a drink a water. He kept his eye on me. This was my first time seeing a baby in the water.
Getting some shade under a sign (or hiding from the tourists).
All lined up.
Stretching!
Ready for take off. He didn't go very far.
Practicing their duet?
Parting shot.
I'm sure there's still a few straggler babies hanging around but by now most of these are gone. I took these a couple of weeks ago after work. I would think the parents are tired of staying in the same spot for several months and are ready to move on. I'm not sure if the babies go with the parents or take off on their own right away. Most of the year you won't find many skimmers on this stretch of beach so I probably won't head back here until early next spring. It was so much fun watching these little birds grow up but nerve wracking as well. Watching them fight over space and food. I saw a few ones that didn't make it. I'm not sure if there was an official count done but there had to have been at least 100 babies born in this little spot this year. Hopefully, next year I'll be back with a new batch of baby pictures. Below is the 3 phases of the black skimmer.
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they are really cute teens. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, they are all still so cute. Wonderful photos, Dina. I just love the Black Skimmers.
ReplyDeleteA great post Dina.
ReplyDeleteSuch an unusual looking bird, and excellent captures of it.
Great photos Dina!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteTotally amazing Dina! I first saw skimmers last winter and fell in love with their unique adaptations. It's a real treat to see the young ones progressing! Great post!
ReplyDeleteThe babies and youngsters are adorable. All your photos are great, I especially love the one with the red legs all lined up!
ReplyDeleteGreat series!!!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful bird to see and your images are a delight to view... thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA great series of photos. So good that you have photographed the complete cycle from tiny chicks to juveniles with new feathers.
ReplyDeleteWow, you sure do get the great photos. I have the same lenses as do you except for the Sigma. My, my, is this something I need to consider? Very nice, all.
ReplyDeleteVery great series! Yhey are all so beautiful! :)
ReplyDeleteThese are each such glorious looking bird images, superb~
ReplyDeleteI love the skimmers. We were down there a month ago as they were similar size and still demanding their parents to feed them. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots all. Those youngsters look like they could keel over with those big heavy beaks.
ReplyDeleteHi there - what great birds and what great pictures! Have to say I want to see a real one!
ReplyDeleteCheers Stewart M - Australia
Great series of photos! I love the composite showing the three stages of growth! They're lovely birds.
ReplyDeleteOH adorable!!!! This is a Super Post and the photos are just perfect!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and super shots of the Black Skimmers in their different plumages Dina. I love the "duet!"
ReplyDeleteLove the one showing the wingspan great photos
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