Amongst the few Black Skimmer nesting spots along the Florida West coast, Indian Shores is one of the best! I went to pay a visit on the first weekend of July, which in retrospect was about a couple of weeks too late for very young chicks. Though most of the chicks were already reaching a decent size, there were a few newly hatched ones if you were to pay close attention. The nesting site is located in front of a pink hotel with a very visible fence around a patch of grassy sand. It is my second year visiting the site and though my visit was short, it was fruitful! 🙂
Black Skimmer chick chasing adult for food – Indian Shores, Florida
ISO 500 | f/5 | 1/6400 sec. | Manual mode | AI servo rear focusing
This photograph was created with the Canon 600mm f/4 L IS II USM lens, the Canon EOS 7D mark II on tripod with gimbal head while seating in the sand.
The photograph above depicts a Black Skimmer chick harassing an adult for food. There was plenty of action at the nesting site that morning. Time and time again chicks would be harassing their parents to be fed as soon as they landed with food. The image above is a nice representation of a chick not having its immediate need met. Their wrath would be swiftly displayed! Almost reminds me of my own toddler…
Black Skimmer chicks – Indian Shores, Florida
ISO 2000 | f/4 | 1/2500 sec. | Manual mode | AI servo rear focusing
This photograph was created with the Canon 600mm f/4 L IS II USM lens, the Canon EOS 7D mark II on tripod with gimbal head while seating in the sand.
My initial intent was to photograph young chicks and I was a bit disappointed to realize that most chicks were already fairly big. With a very careful scanning over the nesting site, I spotted this group of three fur balls poking their head out for a couple of minutes. Not wasting time, I created a few photographs until one of the parent came back and they spent the rest of the morning sleeping under the parenting protection deep in the hole, far from the glitters of fame.
Black Skimmer chicks – Indian Shores, Florida
ISO 640 | f/5.6 | 1/6400 sec. | Manual mode | AI servo rear focusing
This photograph was created with the Canon 600mm f/4 L IS II USM lens, the Canon EOS 7D mark II on tripod with gimbal head while seating in the sand.
Black Skimmer with fish from up close
Fortunately, not just the chicks got to eat! Every now and then, an adult would break from the group to swallow a fish in peace. The moment of peace usually did not last long, as either a chick would realize a yummy piece would not come to its beak, or a gull would give chase. I am pleased with both good head angles above. The close up shows a breathtaking action moment.
Florida Spoonbills and Shorebirds photography workshop – $990
Feb 20th-21st 2016 / limit 6 people – 2 open
Apr 16th-17th 2016 / limit 6 people – 1 open
Contact me at steven.blandin@gmail.com and $250 non refundable deposit to book your spot. Note that we will be wading in the water, about 50 feet from the point of highest tide in order to follow the Audubon society guidelines and help protect those beautiful birds during the nesting season.
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Steven