Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Animal Wednesday - BlackSkimmer

We were at one of our favorite birding places yesterday and discovered a rare bird in our area. A Black Skimmer. It is normally a coastal bird. There have only been 7 other sightings in Indiana.

It is such an unusual looking bird. When they feed they stick the lower mandible into the water and skim the top of the water for small prey. The poor bird must have blown on the winds of Isaac. And yes they have eyes but their eyes are very difficult to see as they are black and sit in the black feathers on their head. What you most notice is that big ole bill.


Happy Animal Wednesday.

11 comments:

Quiet Paths said...

Wow, that must have been amazing. I love the drawing. It is a very unusual looking bird. Lucky you!

Robin said...

Lisa - he's wonderful! Great sketch! Poor little fellow....
I wonder how he will survive inland... hopefully there are lakes nearby where he can have fish.

I used your Cornell Ornithology link to look him up and hear his voice..he has a great voice! Quite distinctive.

HAW!

Hugs,

♥ Robin ♥

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

wow.. great drawing. Poor bird. I hope it got back to his kind.

Q said...

Wow! What a rare event.
Maybe Isaac will help blow him back east!
Nice drawing!
Sherry

SandyCarlson said...

That's a fascinating, beautiful bird. I am wondering about the coloration and where and how black and red work together. Neat.

Unknown said...

Hi Lisa, I have not blogged for a long time, and am very happy to see my favourites still here doing all the inspiring art I love. I was wondering where that birds eyes were? Glad you told us! Hope it found its way back home.

Teri said...

Wow Lisa, leave it to you to find this 'rare in Indiana' bird. Beautiful painting of it.

Katiejane said...

Great sketch of this bird. I have never seen one but it must have been exciting to catch one in person.

Julie said...

I've got to check out this bird!!! Your painting is lovely! Neat bill, eh???? How cool.

carol l mckenna said...

Great drawing ~ well done ~ (A Creative Harbor)

thanks for coming by ^_^

Unknown said...

What a nice and beautiful bird. I love it. Thanks for sharing this lovely blog. God bless you.

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