MORE MYSTERY BIRDS AT THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

PHOTOGRAPH BY DONEGAL BROWNE
Tree Swallow--the likely culprit for the current NYBG Mystery Bird


Black Skimmers courtesy of Steve Calver,
US Army Corps of Engineers
www.dnr.state.md.us/.../blackskimmer.asp


Donegal:

Yesterday, while at the twin lakes area at the NY Botanical Garden, I saw dozens of these birds skimming the water. They wouldn't land anywhere, just swooping across the lake. I couldn't get a clean shot with my camera. I posted the footage on youtube. Any ideas?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HPpUrHk8sY&feature=channel_page
Pat


Some possible options from New York City's Robert DiCandido--
Hi Pat,
One of three species of swallow - perhaps a mix since I cannot see the details.
In order of probability:
Tree Swallow
Rough-winged Swallow
Bank Swallow

Hope this helps,
rdc/nyc


Hi Pat,

Your video reminded me of a larger skimming bird we sometimes get in Central Park. I've not seen Swallows work the Model Boat Pond but I have seen Black Skimmers doing something slightly similar. We get them fishing near Pale Male and Lola's nest sometimes. Though active in the daytime, we've also seen them skim after full dark. As to what the Skimmers do exactly, this from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds--

"The remarkable bill of the Black Skimmer is what sets it apart from all other American birds. The large red and black bill is knife-thin and the lower mandible is longer than the upper. The bird drags the lower bill through the water as it flies along, hoping to catch small fish."

(There is also an African Skimmer and an Indian Skimmer. D.B.)
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black_Skimmer.html

D.B.