Oystercatcher & Gulls

[BigAl]

Two from my trip tp the coast last year.

http://bigal-sa.smugmug.com/photos/23148520-O.jpg

The obligatory gulls

http://bigal-sa.smugmug.com/photos/23149692-O.jpg

regards

alan

[Angelo]

YIKES, what the...

I've never seen a bird like that! (#1)

[BigAl]

Hi Angelo, it's a Black Oystercatcher. I think it's restricted to the south western coast of Africa (will check). It's pretty endangered because it lays it's eggs just above the highwater line (a little hollow in the sand) and the yobbos in their off-road vehicles tend to squash eggs, chicks and adults without even knowing (or caring).

regards
alan

[Harryb]

Hi Al,


The first shot was excellent and a difficult exposure too. :thumb

[Kirwin]

Love the Oystercatcher... always like seeing something new and different!:thumb

[BigAl]

The first shot was excellent and a difficult exposure too. :thumb
Thanks Harry. The sucker kept walking away from me. Had to use a bit of digital zoom for the shot.

regards
alan

[BigAl]

Love the Oystercatcher... always like seeing something new and different!:thumb
Thanks Kirwin. Wait until I get into my slides - then you'll really see different stuff :D

regards
alan

[hichuz]

Great Oystercatcher shot! Just so you know, we have them here too (Oregon coast). Unfortunately, we also have the "yobbos"...




Hi Angelo, it's a Black Oystercatcher. I think it's restricted to the south western coast of Africa (will check). It's pretty endangered because it lays it's eggs just above the highwater line (a little hollow in the sand) and the yobbos in their off-road vehicles tend to squash eggs, chicks and adults without even knowing (or caring).

regards
alan

[bfjr]

Yeah we got those here on the pacific too

http://bfjr.smugmug.com/photos/19566069-M.jpg

never seen one with oyster in his beak though :D

[BigAl]

Thanks Ben & Hichuz for the info on the American Black Oystercatcher :thumb. His legs are a bit paler than his African cousin.

Thanks for looking & commenting!

regards
alan