photoartflightBlack Skimmers in Rough Surf
Some more photos of Black Skimmers showing them working and fishing in the rough surf. I am used to seeing them fish in fairly calm waters, so these seemed like a treat to see them working in a different environment than I am used to. Some of the waves coming in were quite rough, but they were just out there cutting through the water in-between the waves.
Black Skimmer “Skimming” in the rough surf. Canon EOS1D MkIV, 400mm f/4 DO IS, Canon 1.4X teleconverter, f/8, 1/1250 sec, ISO 400
Pulling up with the wave
Looking down
Photo showing Black Skimmer “hitting” something in the water. The large red and black bill is knife-thin and the lower mandible is longer than the upper. The bird drags the lower bill through the water as it flies along, hoping to catch fish. The head goes down and back somewhat when it does hit something, but not always a fish.
Showing how Black Skimmers “Skim” the water for their food.
In the Foam
Black Skimmer with beck hitting something or a fish in the water.
Black Skimmer climbing from the surf to go around again.
Three Shot Panorama with 400mm & 1.4X Teleconverter to show Waves. Shot as a burst so waves somewhat lined up for the panorama.
photoartflight 
Nicely done. What interesting looking birds!
Thanks! They are fun to watch, especially if you see them skimming in pairs.