american oystercatcher

Strictly found along our coastline, this colorful shorebird eats mostly, almost exclusively, shellfish...hence the name!

the lighting was harsh, but I loved the sight of these two oystercatcher species side by side. No racism among them ....

Bean Point, Anna Maria Island, Florida

Ssp palliatus

This shot was taken from a Kayak, where I find it much less disturbing for the shore birds. I drift along slowly and in many cases the birds will walk right up to me. These Oystercatchers actually got too close for the lens I had on the boat.

At Playa Espumilla, Galapagos Islands

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus subsp. palliatus) Adult. Sexes similar. San Luis Pass, Brazoria County, Texas, USA. Situated on the south-western end of Galveston Island, barrier island. Gulf of Mexico on the exposed side and West Bay on the sheltered side.

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus subsp. palliatus) Juvenile. Photographed in Goose Island State Park, Aransas County, Texas, USA. Shoreline of Aransas Bay.

American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus subsp. palliatus) Photographed at the Villa Marshes south of Lima, Lima Department, Peru. Open beach between the Pacific Ocean and a fresh water marsh.

I took some time off and went to Chincoteaque Va. Had a great time with lots of birds.

Barnegat Jetty

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus palliatus) Two subspecies are recognized, the nominate and subspecies galapagensis of the Galapagos Islands. Sexes similar. Photographed in Goose Island State Park situated along the north shores of Aransas Bay north of Fulton, Texas, USA. Bayside...

Sex on the beach, isn't that a drink? Well much to my surprise this all happened in a couple of seconds and that was that. They were no more that 15 ft. away from me and were ... say preoccupied.

American Oystercatcher While walking on the beach I walked into a mating scene between these oystercatchers and what an interesting set of events. The male was rather pleasantly surprised as you can see.

I'd love to tame one of these guys to open my oysters and clams, and I promise to give the bird half.

BTW yesterdays image was a male pine warbler not a vireo, sorry about that, the bird must have had an identity crises.

Adult feeding on the mudflats.A life bird.

Taken 25 March 2010 at sandy beach along Pacific Ocean adjacent to Pantanos de Villa, south of Lima, Peru.

Also quite common around the islands.