Skimmers return

This morning was truly a red-letter day when I saw my first skimmers of the season.

These lovely and unique birds migrate here in the winter and this was the first I'd seen of them this winter. These ingenious little guys skim (thus their name) along the ocean with their lower bill touching the water and the feed by scooping tiny fish into their mouths. Quite ingenious and very distinctive in look as well as ability.

The skimmer pair in the back sharing some beach time with a gull and a Sandwich Tern.

 

Talkative and the first time I remember hearing their call, which sounded almost like a small dog's bark. I also love their red stockings that match the band around their bill. (Click the image to enlarge.)

Again, I was thrilled. A fellow beach walker stopped me and said "Did you see the skimmers?" So I'm not alone in my delight at their return. The pair at the back share the beach with an assortment of Royal Terns, Sandwich Terns and gulls who seem to be preening at the return of their strange-billed friends.