Myakka counts record black skimmers

On Dec. 16, 2024, 44 participants gathered for the annual Myakka River Christmas Bird Count. Now in its 78th year, the count took place in a 15-mile wide circle, within which all birds seen or heard were tallied.

The CBC is a National Audubon Society community-science project which helps highlight conservation action required to protect birds and the habitats they need to survive. As this year’s count took place in the aftermath of three major storms, resulting impacts on habitats critical for countless bird species were widespread. Nonetheless, 120 species were tallied, only four less than last year’s count, with a count total of 11,853 birds!

Of note, 158 black skimmers, a Florida State-threatened bird, were spotted in three areas of the park. Skimmers were first sighted during the Myakka CBC in 1954, then off and on in the 1960-80s. Since the 1990s, skimmers have only been spotted 7 times. The previous record, set in 2003, was 28 skimmers.

Strictly coastal in most areas of North America, black skimmers are threatened by habitat loss from development, storms, rising sea levels and human disturbance. They're also impacted by oil spills and chemical pollution, which threaten fish populations — their food source.

In the winter of 2023, with red tide conditions persistent in the gulf and bay, a flock of over 90 skimmers took shelter in the park. Interestingly, coastal red tide blooms are prevalent again this year, whereas at Myakka, ample untainted food is available. Seasonal low water levels, work to restore the natural flow of the river and reduction in invasive vegetation — all of which create favorable loafing and feeding areas for skimmers — are also factors that likely attract these boisterous birds inland to the park.

Thanks to bird band sightings, we know that both local and migratory skimmers winter in the park. In previous years, skimmers from the Lido Key colony, as well as ones from New York and New Jersey, were spotted at Myakka. And on the first day of 2025, H64, a banded young black skimmer from North Carolina, who migrated south for the first time this year, stood up to be counted too. 

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we're protecting and sharing Myakka's Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @FriendsofMyakkaRiver.