When you have a beach nearly all to yourself, nothing is better than sitting back and enjoying nature and its surroundings. That is precisely what we like to do in Port Aransas, Texas. We used to go there every summer for a long weekend. The problem with that is that the crowds are everywhere. One can hardly enjoy peace, much less the pleasure of observing wildlife. Recently, we have been going there in mid-October. Not only is the weather beautiful, but the city is also quiet. There are no crowds in restaurants or beaches.
One afternoon, I spotted this beautiful American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus). Thanks to the superzoom of a Nikon Coolpix P610 I had then, I could safely admire this beauty from a reasonable distance. It probably never even noticed I was around. What got my attention was how much the American Oystercatcher stood out from other birds in the area. As described by the Audubon Society, this “very large, unmistakable shorebird” lives along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches.
The American Oystercatcher is about as large as a Crow or a Mallard duck. Its black, white, and brown color also has red and orange accents. Then, you have those piercing eyes and bright orange/red beaks to catch your attention. If you check out this Audubon Society link, you can listen to its songs and hear its calls. As its name implies, these birds love habitats that include oyster beds and clam flats.
For Birds of the Week Invitation XCVIII.
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Anne Sandler
This is a very distinctive bird. Well captured.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Anne. I love when I’m on the beach and can observe those birds.
Vicki
As Anne said, that bird is very distinctive. I guess it’s partly that long brightly coloured beak.
I’ve never been in a location or time of day where I could have photographed the oystercatchers we have in Australia.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Vicki. The beak and eyes are really distinctive.
Toonsarah
We have oystercatchers here too and I love to see them! You’ve captured this one beautifully 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the compliment, Sarah.
margaret21
Your oystercatchers are nearly the same as ours, but not quite. Both are very handsome however!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the feedback, Margaret.
André
Never seen one before. Looks a bit different than the European and the African oystercatchers. thanks for sharing!
Egidio Leitao
You’re welcome. Thanks for your comment.
Amy
Beautiful images of this bird, Egidio! I remember seeing them at the Port Aransas, some years ago. 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Amy. I got those shots in Port A.
Amy
Thank you for sharing with us!