THE Eurasian oystercatchers are large black and white wading birds with a distinctive long red bill, red eyes and pink-red legs. They develop a prominent white collar during the non-breeding season.

Originally it was a coastal species; however, the past 50 years have seen an increase in numbers around inland waterbodies.

Although the females are slightly larger than the males, it is quite difficult to distinguish them from each other.

The juveniles resemble the adults, although their plumage is generally duller, with greyish legs and lacking the bright red eye.

Oystercatchers can be easily recognised by their loud, high-pitched ‘peep’ call and a hectic flight with fast (almost nervous-looking) wing beats.

Oystercatchers are widely spread across the UK, and East Lothian is definitely a good location to watch these birds. Saying that, I am quite lucky to watch a small flock of seven visiting the riverside and feeding just outside my living room window on a daily basis.

Despite their name and the assumption that oystercatchers would feed mainly on the well-known aphrodisiac, their diet seldom involves oysters!

These birds predominantly eat cockles, mussels – which they pull from the sand and hammer open using their strong beak – and worms. You can often find small holes in the ground or patches of loose soil that were made by feeding oystercatchers.

Last month, I was asked by a birdwatching magazine to deliver some photographs of oystercatchers. Despite living at the sea, I realised that I did not have many photos of oystercatchers as I am always focused on the elusive kingfisher.

Next morning, I decided to go for a stroll along the beach in search of these lovely birds. As soon as I left the house, I could see oystercatchers flying above my head, but I was not able to locate where they landed. I carried on towards Fisherrow Harbour and made my way towards the river mouth.

There were several good spots where the birds were having their breakfast: along the main path, on the football pitch, on the school grounds (as I peeked over the fence) and on the short grass around the river mouth.

Unfortunately, with that area being popular and the oystercatchers being quite skittish, the birds were quick to raise an alarm each time there was a dog or a walker, including myself, trying to approach them. I captured a few distant shots and decided to head back home and try again in the afternoon.

When I arrived back home and was reaching for the house key, I saw a group of oystercatchers at the river, just outside my door – sometimes the darkest place is under the candle!

I spent the rest of the morning hiding behind the trees and photographing the birds. Some of them were so occupied looking for the worms that they came right up to my feet.

That day out with the oystercatchers reminded me how important it is to appreciate all sorts of wildlife, especially the common species, and not to take them for granted.

Speak to you next month!

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