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Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

Photo by Jellis
Published on Project Noah
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37.5461, -122.234

Field Notes

Description:

Waterbird that resembles a large Tern. Black covering the top part of the bird from tail to head, just covering the eyes. White from below the eyes to the underside the tail. The wingspan can be up to 50 inches. Unusual bill is red at the base and black the rest. The upper bill is shorter then bottom. In the 4th image of the immature one you can see how the bill is mostly needle like. Uses the bill to skim the surface of the water for fish.

Habitat:

Most of their habitat for nesting is getting harder to find. These were in a saltwater pond standing on islands of sand.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (19)
Noahs Ark
Amazing series of pictures. Congrats from a bay area local!
Jellis
Heard the started draining on the 25th but it is a slow process.
HemaShah
Thanks. I had a surgery recently at the Redwood Kaiser. Spent a few days in redwood. Will check the place out when i go for a follow up visit.Wild life is in such a bad shape these days.It truly is a sad situation!
Jellis
Hema it is in Redwood Shores area Redwood City on the end of Radio Road. . If you want to see them you have to hurry. They will be draining the ponds soon. Two years ago there was something toxic in the pond and it was killing the birds using it. They drained it once already but they will dredge it hoping to get rid of whatever it was. This could take years. Not sure where the birds will move to. Some have been seen in Hayward Shoreline on the east bay but not lately.
IrinaSh
Congratulations, Jellis!I told you once so each of your photos combines history, movement, impression.You show the uniqueness and beauty of nature.
HemaShah
Lovely! Where in Redwood city is this?
Jellis
Thank you Project Noah Team.
Liana
Awesome! Congratulations Jellis!!!!!
DanielePralong
Congratulations Jellis, this great series has been voted Spotting of the Week! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603.674700.10150120463815603/10157655001055603/?type=3&theater Twitter: https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/790311863359836160
Liana
Yeah, it would be cool to see that remarkable looking beak in action! I will keep my fingers crossed for you :D
Jellis
Thank you Armadeus, I just wish I had a photo of them feeding but they weren't hungry yet.
Liana
Wonderful series Jellis!!! Interesting looking bird. Thank you for the information and for sharing :)
Jellis
Thanks for the nomination
AshleyT
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
California Coastal Wildlife Watch
Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
Global Flight
Mission
2016 Best Wildlife Photo
Photographed
PublishedOctober 18, 2016

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