Black skimmer gets it’s name because it skims the surface of the water with it’s open bill. They are trying to feel the fish in the water.
I caught this bird flying at different times during the day, but saw more activity early morning and near sunset. I know fishermen like those times as well as when I am putting in a kayak early morning or taking out before dark I see them in their boats. All About Birds says “Its use of touch to catch fish lets it be successful in low light or darkness.”
Coastal New Jersey is in it’s breeding area. However, I think I only observed adults in August.
They eat many kinds of fish including: smelt, flounder, menhaden, herring, among others. They will also go after shrimp and blue crab. They mostly choose fish 5 inches or less it sounds.
I was on a road with water on both sides and was surprised how close they would fly to me. Frequently they would fly over the road quite close. Either they were totally oblivious to me standing there, or they were giving me a show. Have a great week!
Sharon's Iconic Travel Photography Blog 
Amazing photographs. Seeing them skim the water!! They are so beautiful.
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What amazing bird! Thanks for sharing.
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Great shots. I’ve yet to see one, at least knowingly. These pictures will hold me well until I do!
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So amazing
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They are quick and fly close so it makes it a little bit difficult to captire them.
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Extra-ordinary!
Gwen.
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Fun photos, Sharon.
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They are fun to watch!
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That’s amazing 😍 It’s so difficult to capture such a clear photo!
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They swing abck and forth and turn such that it is hard to capture them. Luckily they were doing this close to the road.
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