These being black and white seagull type birds I came across on one of my walks along Queens Beach in Bowen Qld last July. I had snuck up onto to some rocks to take the photos but had become too engrossed watching them in the water and it wasn’t till they started to move I realised I hadn’t actually pressed the shutter. So these two shots are all I got! Not close up ones either!
I kept looking at them in the camera and for the life of me couldn’t think what it was that was so different about them. Thats what spending time away in the sun does to me lol
I didn’t have a bird book with me and it wasn’t till I got home and was sorting out the photos I had a good look at them. Yes, then it was obvious that they did have a different look about them. They certainly weren’t gulls at all – they were balck and white and had ‘red’ legs and a long ‘reddy orange’ beak for a start lol
After a little bit of research I discovered they are actually an endangered Australian native bird called Australian Pied Oystercatchers.
There are Oystercatchers all over the world (see here)
and these are our version
So I guess I was lucky to see them.
I’ve seperated and cropped the two photos to show you them in more detail
Not living near the coast means that I often get the chance to see something new and different when I’m ‘out of town’
And I’m sure if you click this link you will find many more Camera Critters to look and marvel at.
Hi Cathy, a totally new one on me, never heard of an oyster catcher either. 🙂 Of course, I am pretty landlocked. Unique birds, a nice 'catch'!
LikeLike
Never seen one before, not even heard of them before. Interesting bird!
LikeLike
Nice catch. They look just like our American Oystercatchers. We have them around the coast as well. They are very skittish birds and it's hard to get close to them.
LikeLike
Marvellous shots!
LikeLike
G'day Cathy. I have not heard of them before, but they look great birds. You were lucky to see them and to get a few photos as well. Take care. Liz…
LikeLike
Nice shots.Regards and best wishes
LikeLike
I love your oystercatchers. They are neat looking birds. Great sighting and photos.
LikeLike
I love your oystercatchers. They are neat looking birds. Great sighting and photos.
LikeLike
fantastic shots! and what a lovely looking bird!thanks for sharing.:)have a great day!
LikeLike
Thanks for the bird lesson – and for taking the time to crop the photos for a closer look.
LikeLike