Black Skimmer : Social Dynamics of a Colonial Species, Hardcover by Burger, Joanna; Gochfeld, Michael, ISBN 023107106X, ISBN-13 9780231071062, Like New Used, Free shipping in the US Studies the benefits and costs of group living as illustrated by colonies of the gull-like seabird on salt marshes and sandy beaches of the east coast of North America. Examines such behavior as predator detection and defense, and competition for mates, nesting sites, and food. The observation of 30 colonies over 20 years leads the authors to conclude that the greatest benefit is the opportunity for social interaction. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.