Shrimp Boat
Hibiscus
American Oystercatcher(Haematopus palliatus)
Audubon says:
American Oystercatcher is found only along the coast, in
areas with large sandy or shell beaches, tidal mudflats, rocky coast, and salt
marsh. The species feeds mostly by sight, preying upon oysters, clams, and
mussels, but it does also probe for marine worms and other food items in the
intertidal zone. American Oystercatcher nests on sandy dunes, salt marsh
islands, and dredge spoil islands, building its nest well above the high tide
mark. The nest itself is a simple scrape in the ground, occasionally lined with
small pebbles or shells. Individuals do not reach sexual maturity until three or
four years of age. When the breeding density of American Oystercatcher is high,
birds will sometimes form nesting trios, in which a male and two females will
share nesting responsibilities at either one or two nests. Nests typically
contain one to four eggs, but a nest with two females might have five or six
eggs. Incubation period is 24-28 days. Unlike many shorebird species, in which
the young are independent after a very short period of time, American
Oystercatcher young are fed by adults for at least two months after
hatching.I don't think we're in Arkansas anymore, Toto.
11 comments:
Yeah Marvin, seriously, where are you!? :)Louisiana? Mississippi?
Tom
One of my favorite birds. We actually had one where we bird on a regular basis here in Southern Indiana a couple of summers ago. It was a great find. They are such neat handsome birds.
Where in the world is Marvin? TX?
Very lovely--particularly the hibiscus. Hope the recent tornadoes passed you by!
Nice captures.
I've never gotten a really good look at an oyster catcher. Wonderful birds. Those heads! That look! And if I remember correctly - don't they have a unique call? Back to 'google':0)
Interesting photography. Nice post.
I posted my hospital experiences this morning. Hope you can read them.
Abraham Lincoln in Brookville, Ohio
Hi Marvin
Neat pictures.. I can not see a Shrimp Boat now with out thinking of Tom Hanks and that film.. Forrest Gump.
As for your Oyster Catcher now that is a nice looking bird.
In the early 1970s there was a great deal of public debate concerning our oystercatchers, it was all bad publicity for this very attractive shorebird. Because they assemble in large numbers on cockle and mussel 'beds' they were said to be threatening the livelihood of local fishermen. So in 1974/5 permission was granted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for large numbers of our oystercatchers on certain parts of the west coast to be reduced by several thousand.
How sad is that...
We still see many of these birds and some come to inland water ways as well now.
Your title sounds like it should be some kind of book title! I just love your Oystercatchers and would love to see one here someday!
Great pictures!
Out by the coast? Shrimp boats and Oystercatchers...
Hope the living is easy it sure looks to be beautiful.
Have fun.
Sherry
We should have gotten together. I just did an American Oyster-catcher a few days ago.
I like your photo and post.
Really nice.
Your flower photos are tremendous.
Great shots! The Oystercatcher is COOL!!
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