Cool Facts About Oystercatchers

1. The oystercatcher we see on Pacific Northwest coastlines is a black shorebird. The farther north, the blacker this
    species is.They have a long bright red beak, a red ringed eye with a yellow iris and pink legs.

2. These birds rarely stray from the coastline. They eat muscles, clams, barnacles and other sea creatures.
    They use their long beak to pry open the shells and pry out the food. They drink sea water.

3. Oystercatchers make their nests on the shoreline preferring rocky terrain to build their nests out of rock depressions.
    They line their nest with shells and pebbles.

4. They typically lay two to three eggs. Being near waves washing ashore and having easily accessible nests, the eggs are
    very vulnerable.

5.  They usually stay in the area they were born for up to a year unless the parents migrate, then they migrate with their
     parents.

6. Oystercatchers are particularly entertaining to watch as they have a comical nature. You can often hear their
    distinctive peeping cries before you can see them.

7. Some pairs of oystercatchers have been known to stay together for several years.

8. Despite their name oystercatchers rarely eat oysters.

9. Follow this link for an excellent video about Oystercatchers: Tidecatchers