Dow Skimmer Day

This year Dow Texas Operations will hold their annual Skimmer Day on Saturday, June 25th from 9:00am to noon. This free public event provides a rare opportunity to view one of the largest nesting colonies of Black Skimmers on the Texas Gulf Coast. Black Skimmers are considered colonial waterbirds because they nest in large colonies, usually on bay islands. These unique birds have a lower mandible longer than the upper which enables them to employ a unique feeding style. They feed by flying low over the water, opening their bills and skimming the water with their lower mandible to catch small fish. According to the colonial waterbird data, Black Skimmers pairs have declined on the Texas coast by 70% in the last 40 years so this colony at Dow is of increasing importance. Meet at the Dow A-41 gate located on FM 523 which is 1 mile south of the Hwy 332 and FM 523 intersections for shuttles to the site. Dow could use some bird knowledgeable volunteers to help with this event, so if you are interested in helping, please contact Janice Waldron.