I've been hearing reports of a Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) in Bodega Harbor during the last few days, so with a break in the weather today I went to take a quick look around at Doran Beach.
After a little searching I spotted the skimmer near the mouth of Cheney Creek. Although a bit distant, here are a few zoomed-in photos for the record.
Another flight shot:
And two while sitting:
And one more, showing the feather patterning in the wings and tail:
Black Skimmers are rare in Sonoma County, sometimes showing up after the breeding season. They're generally found farther south during the winter (e.g., along the coast in southern California and Baja California, Mexico). This bird's presence in Bodega Harbor at this time of year is probably related to recent storms.
3 comments:
Thank you for these photos. I love skimmers, but I haven't seen one of THESE before!
San Francisco birders were recently treated to black skimmers in the bay, and even at Aquatic Park (where people swim around the buoys).
Yes! And I've heard they've also been seen in Bolinas and Corte Madera recently.
Fun fact: Black Skimmers have also been known informally as "scissor-bills" and "cutwaters" -- both descriptive names!
Jackie
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