African Skimmer

[DennisT]

I found this pic of the African Skimmer in a file relating to a trip in Botswana (some years back). I found that they are almost impossible to photograph as very skittish and quick in the air. This guy just happened to fly over and reaction time was a bit slow so not as clear as could be but thought i would share it anyway. The elephant family is from the Tuli Block and the rest from near where we live.

[Singletracklovr]

#1 what a very interesting bird. I wonder how it eats with that beak?
Is #3 a wildebeest? That is a super shot.

Thanks for sharing these.

[DennisT]

Yes it is a Wildebeest - that I was able to get reasonably close to (on foot) with the 500mm bigma.

The African Skimmer uses the elongated lower clavicle to skim the surface of the water to catch tiny fish - their only food source. Interestingly they nest in shallow hollows in the river-side sandy beaches or sandy islands - very exposed - very vulnerable.

[paulnj]

great series of images! I love them all Dennis!