Black Skimmer SloMo morning bathing

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Black Skimmers are a unique type of seabird that have a distinct appearance and behavior. They are named for their habit of skimming the water surface with their lower mandible to catch small fish and crustaceans. While this behavior is fascinating to watch, it also requires the birds to keep their beaks clean to avoid infection.
To keep their beaks clean, Black Skimmers use a process called "bill wiping." During bill wiping, the bird presses its lower mandible against a soft part of its body, usually the feathers on its breast, and rubs it back and forth to clean off any debris or bacteria.
While this behavior is a natural way for the Black Skimmer to maintain its health, it can also be affected by human activities. Pollution, oil spills, and other environmental factors can make it difficult for these birds to find clean surfaces to wipe their bills on, leading to potential health problems and a decrease in population.
It is important for us to understand the unique behavior and needs of Black Skimmers to properly protect and conserve this fascinating and important seabird. We can help by reducing our impact on the environment and ensuring that areas where these birds live and breed are kept clean and healthy. By doing so, we can help ensure that Black Skimmers continue to thrive and provide us with a wondrous sight along the coastal regions of the world.