Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

American Oystercatcher

There were a few pairs of American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) out on the Jacob Riis and Fort Tilden beaches the other day.

This eye and bill combination is one of the wonders of the beach.
Which made this all the more noticeable. What’s this stye in the eye?
Both eyes, actually. These eye flecks are the result of extra black pigment. For Black Oystercatchers (H. bachmani), found on the Pacific coast, this means the birds are usually female. Is it the same with this species?
With a Common Tern. Oystercatchers are big, dramatic, and loud. Get too close, and they let you know it.
The tern was chased away. A pair of the OCs even started yelling at the squeaky cart being pulled down along the water’s edge.

mthew

One response to “American Oystercatcher”

  1. Chuck McAlexander

    This species is a forever favorite of newer birders because it is easily identified and usually puts on some kind of show. It can restore your sanity after hours of identiguessing the various shore and marsh birds. Willet can serve the same function.

    Reply

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