This American Oystercatcher was feeding on a little sand crab at Nickerson Beach, Long Island, NY.
Comments and suggestions welcome,
Morris
Hi Morris
It's good to see you publishing your lovely images here - always a treat!
Phil
Morris, do these jpg's have EXIF data? That was one col feature back at DPR that by hovering the mouse you'd see the exif.
Thank you Phil,
Now that we have the weekly thread, I'm posting photos there.
Morris
Hi Zurubi,
Yes they include EXIF data. I use the Chrome Extension "EXIF QuickView" and have this ability with any photo.
Morris
Nice images. Very good details. Why are you not posting in Nature and Wildlife forum? I was looking over there for your pictures.
Good photos.
The oystercatcher's beak is interesting:
www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/birds/british-birds-oystercatcher/
Don Cox
Thank you. I have not explored that far yet.
Morris
That's interesting Don. At Nickerson beach they feed almost exclusively on what we call sand crabs. They are tiny creatures that resemble crabs. Typically they eat them hole unless an arm or leg comes off in the process of catching it.
Morris
Looks like the bird had been previously caught…. And banded. Are this a rare species?
Great sequence Morris. And very interesting bird. I would think an oyster would be mouthful and then some for it. Sand crabs seem a better option as you suggested.
They are not rare or endangered. Ornithologists band birds to learn about there migratory paths and social interactions.
Morris
Thank you Chuck,
Morris