2017 Wildlife Photo Contest

Species: Black Skimmer, BLSK, Rynchops niger | Location: Navarre Beach Causeway, Florida, United States of America

This is my first year experiencing the Black Skimmers. The Black Skimmers (BLSK) arrive to Northwest Florida in April for nesting season. For the first 2 to 3 week there were approx 9 to 16 hanging out on the causeway (CSWY). On the 27th, I arrived at the CSWY in the early morning. It was partly cloudy so there was that beautiful soft box effect we all love. That day the BLSK were relaxing on the westside of the CSWY, I didn't want to cause them to flush and go into traffic so I decided to setup south of them laying down on the ground. I looked for a spot where I had a clear pocket of no grass growing in between me and the BLSK. I loved how the grass added texture and it was new so it was a pretty vibrant green. I love observing the BLSK as much as I love photographing them. As I was photographing the BLSK that's when 59 of them arrived! I was so excited I almost forgot to start taking pictures of them landing. It was like a great big family reunion with all the barks and churring calls they were making. Now it's May and we have approx 138 BLSK nesting here on the CSWY but the arrival of the 59 will always be a cherished moment for me.

About The Photographer

Hello I'm Denise Burridge. We moved to beautiful Navarre, FL in August of 2016. We are a military family and my husband is currently based out of Hurlburt Field. I am new to conservation photography but not conservation. I started my conservation journey 12 yrs ago as a Range Patrol Officer covering 729 sq miles right here on Eglin AFB, FL. After Eglin, we moved to Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan where my photography journey started. In 2012 we moved to Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, Nevada. While living in Las Vegas, I did some projects with Nevada Fish and Wildlife and the Wild Horse and Burro Program. Now, I've come full circle and I'm starting this new chapter here in Florida combining my two loves as a conservation photographer. Thru the medium of photography my goal is to build a interactive relationship with the viewer to encourage them to EXPLORE the adventures of today and the memories of tomorrow. CONNECT by disconnecting, so that we may experience the best connections.To discover the OUTDOORS, to see with new eyes the special places and wildlife set aside by us so that all may experience.