Black Smimmer Feeding Newborn

Rather lousy shooting conditions as it was brightly cloudy (not bad) but this scene was completely back-lit.

As this was the first time a pair of Black Skimmers had nested on this beach successfully in decades (actually the farthest north breeding record in NA for quite some time), I thought it important to document this no matter what the conditions were. I had spent a lot of time with this pair the previous weeks and was thrilled to fins that they had hatched two chicks the night before. Unfortunately, they were predated the night after I created these images.

Image created as one of the two chicks crawled out from underneath mom when dad returned with a silverside.

Nikon D300, 500VR, TC14EII, ISO 800, F14, 1/640, CW Metering, NearUniWB, +1.7 EV, SB800 flash with BB at -1.0

PS...they were on a slight incline where they nested in the fore dunes and leveling it just didn't look right to my eyes.

beautiful moment/low angle!!

Jim, great job with the lighting conditions. The action you captured is very strong and I don't see any need for rotation. Hopefully next year we'll have even more trying to breed up our way. Congrats

I like the soft light, sharpness, setting and behavior. Too bad they were not able to raise the chicks. Was this at Monomoy?

Jim that is so sad. But, I am glad you captured this moment and so beautifully!! The light I think helped.

Hi Axel...

Location was Plymouth, Ma

Jim, Really nice capture of the pair w/ the chick and the feeding is so nice to see. Beautiful sharpness and detail.