Black Skimmers are seemingly other-worldly, with a lower jaw longer than upper. They are beach birds par excellence, graceful and calm, skimming across the water feeling their way to a meal. They breed and live in colonies near the shore, close to the ocean pantry and close to each other. On this morning I was determined to photograph the sensational rising of the flock as one. This usually happens more often when the chicks are fledged and can follow along with their parents…..no bird left behind. On this morning I put my jacket on the ground, placed my camera on top of it, slowed my shutter to 1/15th of second….and waited. It was only a matter of time before this group arose, circled over the ocean and landed back on the beach. I always wonder what sparks them….I probably will never know.