
Black skimmer male riding on back of female.
A walk to Sand Dollar Island feels like a world away as you leave Marco’s “condo rises” behind. This small sand spit of unspoiled, sugary-white sand is a birder’s paradise where you’ll encounter resting, nesting and feeding birds. It is one of Florida’s Great Birding Trails and a flyover site for over sixty species of rare and protected birds. Sand Dollar Island is also a state designated “Critical Wildlife Area.”
During springtime, love is in the air, as birds on Sand Dollar Island look for a mate. Courtship rituals range from something sweet and simple like head bowing, or a risky aerial display. The black skimmers take their

Pair of black skimmers in an aggressive downward swoop. Photos by Jean Hall
The prize for this elaborate display is

Courtship ritual can be as simple as bringing a gift to the female.
Black Skimmer Facts
• Scientific name: Rynchops niger
• Bright red bill with black tip. Legs and feet are red.
• Only bird species in the U.S. that has a larger lower mandible than upper mandible.
• A group of skimmers are called a “scoop” of skimmers.
• Call is a “kak, kak, kak”

upward pursuit of female black skimmer.
• Only bird known to have an elliptical vertical slit (cat-like) shaped pupils, surrounded by dark brown iris.
Threats
• Dogs and humans on the beach flushing nesting shorebirds.
• Trash on the beach attracts predators, such as crows, rats and raccoons.
Protection
• Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act
• Florida Species of Special Concern
What can you do to help?
• Respect posted areas and keep your distance from nesting shorebirds.
• Dogs are not allowed on Marco Island’s beaches.
• Keep it clean – take your trash with you.
• Report violations to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922.
• Report injured birds to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Wildlife Clinic:
239-262-2273.
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