Attention-seekers
Waders. They’re either nearly invisible, clad in the most extreme camouflage possible, or they’re Oystercatchers.
This Oystercatcher was attempting to get my attention as I strayed onto its beach. There’s clearly a youngster or two nearby. The youngsters are also black and white, although a little scruffy. Despite that, I can’t see them anywhere.
Maybe there’s more to this black and white plumage business than I thought…
Also, have you seen that black smudge underneath the pupil on the red iris? It’s in the same place as the black smudge on the iris of a Woodpigeon, the one which makes its pupil look egg-shaped rather than circular. I wonder if it’s an anti-glare adaptation?
More Oystercatchers
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Scolder As soon as I walk anywhere on the coast of Westray, there's a noisy complaint. The Shaalders, or Scolders, are… read more
Oystercatcher in sunshine Sometimes Oystercatchers call out in alarm as I approach. Sometimes they fly and harass me. Sometimes they just sit and… read more
Return to Oystercatcher beach I can't resist their orange good looks. Birds with red plumage have enhanced vision in the red of the spectrum.… read more
Old Carrot-Face is noisy today Oystercatchers are a noisy fact of life here on Westray. There's not a spot of coastline which isn't guarded by… read more
2022 highlights of a wilder Orkney life (part 2) August in Orkney can be quieter than May, June or July when it comes to bird life. In 2022, August… read more
2022 highlights of a wilder Orkney life (part 1) 2022 was a very happy time for me on my visits to Orkney. I spent hours on the low cliffs… read more
The divine right of kings and wildlife on the menu I've discovered the fabulous menu of a dinner fit for a king, eaten in 1625, served in a local house… read more
The Third Ladybird Book of British Birds – #15 The Oystercatcher I’m currently reading the third volume of the Ladybird Book of British Birds and their nests from the 1950s again.… read more