Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) Breeding Trends in South Carolina

Abstract

From 1975 to 2009, 186 surveys for Rynchops niger (Black Skimmer) nests were conducted in South Carolina. The state was not thoroughly monitored until 1988, and between 1988 and 2009 nesting numbers were stable. The mean nest count from 1988 to 2009 was 889 ± 55 SE, (n = 21 years). Twenty-six different sites supported nesting colonies with Cape Island, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge being used most often (24 years). Publicly owned lands were used more often than privately owned lands, and seabird islands—small ephemeral islands with other species of seabirds nesting on them—supported colonies more often than other habitat types. The number of skimmer nests was much lower than nesting records prior to this study; thus, intensive monitoring during the breeding season should continue to provide managers with information that can assist in increasing fecundity and protect optimal nesting habitat.