Attention-seekers

Waders. They’re either nearly invisible, clad in the most extreme camouflage possible, or they’re Oystercatchers.

Oystercatcher - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

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

Oystercatcher Nest - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) Like pebbles on a beach Every beach on Westray has a different character. There are pure white shell sand beaches which wouldn't be out of… read more
Oystercatcher - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) 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 - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) 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
Oystercatcher - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) 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
Oystercatcher - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the) 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) 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 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
Limes at Forde House - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David B 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
Oystercatcher - Ladybird Book of British Birds 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

Feel free to leave a Reply :)