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Black OystercatchersBlack oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) are one of the many bird species that inhabit our paddling area. They are about the size of a crow, and have a distinctive long red bill. They do catch the occasional oyster where the two species' territories ovelap, but they prefer thinner-shelled prey, like limpets, mussels and chitons. Their simple nests are located on the beach, just above the high water line, which make them vulnerable to other birds, animals and even human visitors. They are year-round residents, and can live to an age of 30 years. Black oystercatchers give a shrill, continuous call when disturbed, and this call is often the first clue that they are around. Even with their brilliant red beaks, they tend to blend in to their rocky surroundings. They feed at low tide and rest at high tide, so, with a keen eye, we can occasionally spot them on our paddling trips.
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