

Black Skimmer (Atlantic Beach NC)

"OMG! Look at the bill on this Black Skimmer! The top of the bill is broken and the tip of the lower bill looks like its snapped off too! Wow, I hope he does okay."







Then I go to the field guides and I experience my "duh" moment.



The Black Skimmer is known for its "unmistakable" bill that has a lower mandible that is much longer than the upper bill. Even though I was aware of the skimmer's fishing technique of cutting into the water with its lower bill, it WAS the first time I paid enough attention to notice this unique characteristic that makes their fishing technique more efficient!



