Black Skimmer

Here's a different type of waterbird sighting in the form of the funky Black Skimmer. This uncommon species is even more scarce this late in the season, especially when found hanging out in a parking lot with a bunch of gulls.

The unique bird flies low over the water and opens that enormous bill to drag it under the surface to catch small fish. This young one may not be feeling as good as it should, though the bird still flies well and seems to be physically fit. We hope it heads south soon.