Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

The Black Skimmer is a specialist feeder. Though it may not look like the rest of its cousins, it is considered a proper member of the tern family. It’s a wonderful sight to watch these birds forage over the still waters of a bay or lagoon.

These birds are part of the nesting community in South San Diego Bay, where I have been privileged to accompany biologists on their tern surveys during nesting. Caspian Terns have a reputation for aggressiveness and attacking intruders, but the only blood-letting episode I have witnessed was caused by a Black Skimmer wing-whipping my friend Brian from behind, giving him a bloody ear.

From 1966 to 2015, the Black Skimmer has decreased its population by 4% per year, resulting in a population reduction of 87% over that period. They have been designated as a “species of high concern”. There are many obstacles to their nesting success, not the least of which is their dependence on beach sites loved by homosapiens for recreation.

Black Skimmer - Rynchops niger — **Black Skimmer**
*(Rynchops niger)*

**Description:**
South San Diego Bay near the Chula Vista Marina. San Diego County, California.
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**Date Taken:** 2009:08:05 7:12

**Location:**

Boal
Chula Vista, California
United States
0.00 ft below sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1500

**File Name:** JCD4816

© 2009 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging

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Pin It — **Black Skimmer**
*(Rynchops niger)*

**Description:**
South San Diego Bay near the Chula Vista Marina. San Diego County, California.
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**Date Taken:** 2009:08:05 7:12

**Location:**

Boal
Chula Vista, California
United States
0.00 ft below sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/1500

**File Name:** JCD4816

© 2009 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging

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Black Skimmer Chick - Rynchops niger — **Black Skimmer Chick**
*(Rynchops niger)*

**Description:**
Juvenile trying to hide in Gull-billed Tern 'nest'. Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR.
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**Date Taken:** 2003:07:22 7:59

**Location:**

Saltworks
Imperial Beach, California
United States
6.00 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**

**File Name:** A3G22b29-BlackSkimmer-Chick

© 2003 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging

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Black Skimmer Eggs - Rynchops niger — **Black Skimmer Eggs**
*(Rynchops niger)*

**Description:**
Saltworks at South San Diego Bay NWR. San Diego County, California.
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**Date Taken:** 2009:05:27 10:58

**Location:**

Saltworks
Imperial Beach, California
United States
6.00 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D2X, 490 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250

**File Name:** JCD9844

© 2009 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging

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