June 19, 2014 – Black Skimmer. A large, black and white, tern-like waterbird, the Black Skimmer has a distinctive large red bill. Typically skimmers fly low over the water with the lower mandible cutting the surface hoping to catch small fish. Skimmers are the only birds with the lower mandible longer than the upper. When at rest, they often group together on sand and gravel bars, their black backs and white underparts visible at long distances.
Posts Tagged ‘Long Island Sound’
Black Skimmer
Thursday, June 19th, 2014Black Scoter
Friday, November 15th, 2013November 15, 2013 – Black Scoters seem to be more prevalent this year than in recent years. They are rarely seen in fresh water but this week you can look for these unusual scoters inland, in areas such as the Connecticut River off Vibert Road in South Windsor and Bantam Lake in Litchfield along North Shore Road. You can also look for them on the coast, off Penfield Reef in Fairfield, off Reef Road, where there is public access (go at low tide). Black Scoters are uncommon but regular migrants. They breed in subarctic regions and winter in coastal areas along both coasts. Diving ducks (rather than dabblers like Mallards), they dive to find crustaceans and mollusks to eat. Click the link below to read the entire post.
