After posting last week about Pied Oystercatchers, I decided to hunt up my photos of Sooty Oystercatchers. I have never seen this species around the bay as it prefers rocky shorelines and headlands. Apart from colouring these birds look very similar to Pied Oystercatchers. I took these photos at Point Cartwright on the Sunshine Coast. I saw two Sooty Oystercatchers that day roosting among the rocks with a group of Crested Terns.
Sooty Oystercatcher with Crested Tern in non-breeding plumage. 
These are great photographs. The Sooty Oystercatcher's look exactly like our Black Oystercatcher's here in WA State. This summer I was able to get a good photograph of one of their chicks roaming amongst the rocks. I'll be sure to post it along with a photo of an adult for comparison with the Sooty.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays...
Well - I'm learning more about Oystercatchers thanks to you Mick. Very sooty coloured indeed, Lol.
ReplyDeleteHi Bernie, I look forward to seeing your photos of the Black Oystercatchers you have over your way.
ReplyDeleteHi Tricia, thanks for the compliment - and that's what blogging is all about for me - learning from other people.
Interesting birds. I`ve never seen an oystercatcher yet. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Tom.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots Mick! I have yet to see any oystercatcher myself. I would see the Black Oystercatcher in my area, like Bernie.
ReplyDeleteI like how their eye "shadow" matches the bill. God has a sense of humor. ;)
Hi Red, Yes, 'Sooties' certainly have great coloring.
ReplyDeleteStriking bird and photograph.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vickie
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. Love the eyes. I can't decide if they look sunken or swollen around the edges. But either way, they are very interesting.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, Mick. Apparently we have some oystercatchers along the Texas Gulf Coast, but I've never seen one myself. Nice captures of these west coast shorebirds.
ReplyDeleteThe Sootys isn't a common bird down our way Mick, not enough rocky shorelines. I have seen one feeding on sandworm in an estuary though. Quite a striking bird with that bill colour.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Sparverius, Kyle and Duncan. I am told that there are little rocky islands just off shore where they commonly breed. Haven't managed a way to get out to them yet!
ReplyDeleteI really like watching the Sooty Oystercatchers! I hope I will be able to find time during the short Christmas break to go and see what the local Oystercatcher population is up to.
ReplyDeleteHi Tilcheff - have fun over the Xmas break - and lots of good birding!
ReplyDelete