In this woodblock print, black skimmers rest on the beach at sunset, lined up, evenly spaced and facing into the wind. The birds' striking black, white and red pattern create an array of aerodynamic shapes on the beach. Other birds skim the glassy water for prey.
The sunset background was created using what printmakers call a "rainbow roll"; different colors blend on the rollers as it applies ink to the block. Subtle woodgrain is visible in the colors. The bird were carved from a wood panel, and printed in black. Paper is tissue-thin, fine Japanese paper; traditionally numbered, titled and signed in pencil below the image.