Skimmer population moves on after the storm

Before Tropical Storm Colin, Lido Key had 40 black skimmer chicks ranging from one day to three weeks old. There were also 700 adults and 150 eggs.

The storm completely washed over the colony. Only 400 to 450 adults and 25 chicks survived, and no eggs remained.

The adult birds are already mating again, and nesting could last longer than usual this season through September.

“They’re great parents,” said Holley Short, coastal bird monitoring and stewardship coordinator with Audubon Florida.  “They learn what to do in this situation.”

Photographer Lou Newman captured photos of the skimmer population both during and after the storm.