Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)

One of the most unique and unmistakable North American birds, the Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) is an incredible waterbird with a massive bill used to scoop fish from the water while in flight.

 
Watching a Black Skimmer feeding, using the length of the bill’s lower mandible to penetrate the water’s surface to snag prey, can seem rather surreal.

 
Evolution and adaptation can certainly be unexpected and staggeringly effective. In this case this bird was playing with a leaf!

 Perhaps it was good foraging practice during this warm Florida vacation.