Black Skimmer
A Black Skimmer flies low over water with its beak open and lower mandible partially submerged. When the lower part of the bill touches prey, the bill's upper mandible snaps down, securing the bird's meal.
American Oystercatcher
American Oystercatchers survive almost exclusively on shellfish—clams, oysters, and other saltwater mollusks. This is AE, a banded female, who adopted Fort de Soto as her home in 2017. She and her mate, Archie, raised three healthy chicks in 2023.
Be a responsible fisherman
DONT CUT THE LINE!
If you hook a bird, don't panic. Reel the bird in slowly. Use a net to lift the bird. Firmly grasp the bird's head behind the eyes, fold the wings up firmly against the bird's body so that it can't flap its wings. Also hold the legs. Remove the barb and hook with pliers or clippers. Release the bird slowly.