Black Skimmers

Cooperative and friendly to all, they can be seen resting in flocks together and with other sea, shore, and waterbird species. Residents to the Upper Texas Gulf Coast, they are medium sized with long wings and a larger lower mandible than the top, which they use to skim the water in order to catch fish.  Their hunts are fascinating to watch but they require lots of personal space, so for the best show, please keep your distance. That is, unless they come close to you first.