Sooty Oystercatcher: Though the Sooty Oystercatcher will open and eat them, oysters are not the main diet of these birds. They are often seen rummaging along rocky shorelines for other...

zneb240 Loc: New South Wales - Australia

Though the Sooty Oystercatcher will open and eat them, oysters are not the main diet of these birds. They are often seen rummaging along rocky shorelines for other food. As they are becoming increasingly rare in Australia, I was very lucky to catch this Sooty running to avoid being swamped by breaking waves from the incoming tide.

(Download)

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Very nice image. The download is a must. It is sad to hear that this birds are becoming rare where you are. We have oystercatchers here on the coast of New Jersey, but their coloration as well as their beaks are different from the Sooty Oystercatcher. Both are beautiful birds, though.

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

Good shot, Warren. Pied Oystercatchers are also becoming endangered. We have a few resident Pieds here at Brooms Head, but I have only seen two Sootys in about 5 years. The Pieds are leg banded & are closely monitored by volunteers, including myself. Earl.

zneb240 Loc: New South Wales - Australia

Thanks for your comments MadMike. Love your by-line ....'read the manual' etc. Nice one.

zneb240 Loc: New South Wales - Australia

DOOK wrote:

Good shot, Warren. Pied Oystercatchers are also becoming endangered. We have a few resident Pieds here at Brooms Head, but I have only seen two Sootys in about 5 years. The Pieds are leg banded & are closely monitored by volunteers, including myself. Earl.

Thanks Earl. They're increasingly difficult to get anywhere near for a photograph these days, however we used to commonly see both species around the rocks when I was youngster. I believe initially the Pied became endangered and now the Sootys.... and they were so common. A walk around the rocks is not the same without these beauties. Not sure what the issues are but sadly, I'll bet human activity will be involved. Again, thanks.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Great photo!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Both feet off the ground! Pretty bird.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

zneb240 wrote:

Though the Sooty Oystercatcher will open and eat them, oysters are not the main diet of these birds. They are often seen rummaging along rocky shorelines for other food. As they are becoming increasingly rare in Australia, I was very lucky to catch this Sooty running to avoid being swamped by breaking waves from the incoming tide.

Warren, excellent and a double download shows all the detail.

Greg

DragonsLady Loc: Los Alamos, NM

Love the download - practically 3D!

bigwolf40 Loc: Effort, Pa.

zneb240 wrote:

Though the Sooty Oystercatcher will open and eat them, oysters are not the main diet of these birds. They are often seen rummaging along rocky shorelines for other food. As they are becoming increasingly rare in Australia, I was very lucky to catch this Sooty running to avoid being swamped by breaking waves from the incoming tide.

Nice catch of this bird with both feet off the ground....Rich

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Outstanding image. Very well done.

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

A beautiful bird and a delightful image, Warren. Your work is always such a pleasure to view.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Very nice. Sad that they are disappearing.

Einreb92 Loc: Philadelphia

Excellent!!

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Excellent download, Warren!