The absolutely last Black Skimmers

Hey folks -

These are my last Black Skimmer shots from a very productive morning at Stone Harbor Point in NJ. After these I'll get around to the little guys at the edge of the surf. BTW, don't think I've lost it because I'm still up at 2am - I'm near Seattle visiting my son and family. Unfortunately I don't think I'll have time to go looking for birds.

Now for the Skimmers. I suspect this first guy isn't more than a few days old -

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This guy is an immature teenager...

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I've never seen this behavior before. This guy was acting perfectly normal when he suddenly dropped to the sand, stuck out his neck and seemed to be playing dead. Very weird.... Anyone know what is going on here?

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Finally, a couple of adults -

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nice set Gordon
My guess on the second one, well maybe he's practicing skimming :smile:

 

Thanks Ben. Your guess on the one playing dead is hilarious! :biggrin: But it's as good a guess as any.

Gordon

 

Thanks Gale. Good guess on the behavior, and one that occured to me too. But that guy was just walking around with a bunch of other Skimmers, looking perfectly natural, when he just dropped. None of the other birds acted spooked. Very wierd.....

Gordon

 

Hi Mike -

Thank for the nice comments. I've never seen a killdeer perform (?) that behavior, but it makes sense. The unusual thing here though as that this guy is a juvenile. Go figure. :smile: How are you liking that 200-400VR?

Gordon

 

Hi Dennis -

I agree with both of you. Your flicker really looks dead. Sure he wasn't? :biggrin: :biggrin:

Gordon

 

Thanks Harry!