Oystercatcher at the coast
In Britain the majority of Oystercatchers nest inland, in fields and river shingles, and in my area near reservoirs. Most of my photos are taken in the Pennines but I liked this one as it is clearly taken in its original coastal habitat with seaside Thrift growing. In the 19th century they were largely confined to the coast but they have spread inland, especially during the 20th century.
The name Oystercatcher for this European species is a misnomer as they feed on cockles, mussels, worms, but never oysters. But in 1731 Mark Catesby coined the term Oystercatcher for the American species, after he had seen them feeding on the thinner-shelled American oysters. The two species look quite similar, though American has yellow eyes and pale legs www.flickr.com/photos/timmelling/52857121132/in/photolist Linnaeus thought they were the same species when he named the European species "ostralegus" (oyster-eating) in 1758. The name Oystercatcher caught on in Britain and has been the standard name ever since. It was known as Sea-pie prior to that.
This Oystercatcher was standing guard near its nesting mate on Iona.
Oystercatcher at the coast
In Britain the majority of Oystercatchers nest inland, in fields and river shingles, and in my area near reservoirs. Most of my photos are taken in the Pennines but I liked this one as it is clearly taken in its original coastal habitat with seaside Thrift growing. In the 19th century they were largely confined to the coast but they have spread inland, especially during the 20th century.
The name Oystercatcher for this European species is a misnomer as they feed on cockles, mussels, worms, but never oysters. But in 1731 Mark Catesby coined the term Oystercatcher for the American species, after he had seen them feeding on the thinner-shelled American oysters. The two species look quite similar, though American has yellow eyes and pale legs www.flickr.com/photos/timmelling/52857121132/in/photolist Linnaeus thought they were the same species when he named the European species "ostralegus" (oyster-eating) in 1758. The name Oystercatcher caught on in Britain and has been the standard name ever since. It was known as Sea-pie prior to that.
This Oystercatcher was standing guard near its nesting mate on Iona.