Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) - 12Aug2016

The Black Skimmer is probably the most iconic bird of Wrightsville Beach, NC.  We get huge flocks on the north end sometimes approaching 1000.  Although they look goofy sitting on the beach, they are one of the most elegant birds when skimming along the surface especially when the water is flat and the sun is setting.  I am working on a better pic of the latter but here is a pic of the former.