Black Oystercatchers Haematopus bachmani are one of my favorite Pacific Northwest species. They are big, loud, and unusual looking, and yet can be infuriatingly difficult to see. One of the problems in seeing these birds is that they prefer to feed and roost on rocky shores, often in areas that are inaccessible. I often see then through a spotting scope, far offshore on rocky islands in the surf. There are a few places in Washington State where it is relatively easy to get a good look at these handsome birds. Cape Flattery is one of these places, and it has just again become accessible as the Macaw Tribe has again opened the reservation to visitors after nearly 2 years of staying closed to protect the tribe from Covid brought in by visitors.
The orangish red eye and bill are a different shade of color than the pinkish legs of these birds, and the difference in these colors is one of the appealing things about them for me. In addition they are very loud in flight, with a ringing call that can be heard over long distances.
They feed by turning over and opening shellfish with their strong bills.
There are 12 species of oystercatcher in the world, with numerous color schemes and habitat preferences, but they all have the same general shape.
Good birding!
