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The absolutely last Black Skimmers

Discussion in 'Birds' started by Gordon Large, Aug 27, 2005.

  1. Gordon Large

    Gordon Large Guest

    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 -

    48264106.

    This guy is an immature teenager...

    48264107.

    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?

    48264108.

    Finally, a couple of adults -

    48264105.


    48264104.
     
    Gordon Large, Aug 27, 2005
    #1
  2. bfjr

    bfjr Guest

    nice set Gordon
    My guess on the second one, well maybe he's practicing skimming :smile:
     
    bfjr, Aug 27, 2005
    #2
  3. Gale

    Gale

    978
    Jan 26, 2005
    Viera Fl
    Hi Gordon

    Really great pics. Up-close and personal...

    Looks like the behavior is self protection, to deter you from harming or coming closer perhaps.

    Really good stuff and great observations.
     
    Gale, Aug 27, 2005
    #3
  4. Gordon Large

    Gordon Large Guest

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

    Gordon
     
    Gordon Large, Aug 27, 2005
    #4
  5. Gordon Large

    Gordon Large Guest

    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
     
    Gordon Large, Aug 27, 2005
    #5
  6. mike mac

    mike mac

    12,409
    Jan 25, 2005
    East Norriton, PA
    Great series looks like you had a blast I agree the action of the bird seems similar To a killdeer where they try to act hurt or wounded to draw your attention away from the nest and young
     
    mike mac, Aug 27, 2005
    #6
  7. Gordon Large

    Gordon Large Guest

    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
     
    Gordon Large, Aug 28, 2005
    #7
  8. Nikam

    Nikam

    474
    Apr 30, 2005
    Mission BC, Canada
    Nice set of shots, Gordon!

    I caught the same behaviour as the 3rd one with a flicker earlier this summer:

    48365791.

    I think Gale must be right on with the playing dead routine.
     
    Nikam, Aug 28, 2005
    #8
  9. Gordon Large

    Gordon Large Guest

    Hi Dennis -

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

    Gordon
     
    Gordon Large, Aug 29, 2005
    #9
  10. HarryB

    HarryB

    5,525
    Jan 28, 2005
    Viera, Florida
    Excellent shots Gordon. Very well exposed.
     
    HarryB, Aug 29, 2005
    #10
  11. Gordon Large

    Gordon Large Guest

    Thanks Harry!
     
    Gordon Large, Aug 29, 2005
    #11
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