I’ve always liked this photo because it shows how this American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) is using its long bill to pry open a shell. (photographed at Fort De Soto County Park, Florida)
American Oystercatcher with incoming wave – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
The tip of the bill is squared off and thin and as it gets thicker towards the top it makes a nice wedge for opening the shells so the bird can get to the mollusk inside.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Oystercatcher photos plus facts and information about this species.
That is quite an effective tool, I’m sure. The wave makes a great background. Another bird I have not seen yet.
Julie, I hope while you are in Florida you will be able to photograph some American Oystercatchers. Thank you for commenting.
Excellent, excellent photo, Mia.
Thank you very much Bob. They are great birds to photograph.
Awesome pic! And very interesting about the bill and being able to open those. Something I would like to see.
Judy, I loved photographing American Oystercatchers so much that after I moved here I would dream about them being on the AI causeway. Now that would be an extremely rare sighting!
Very beautiful Mia!
Thank you very much PrairieBirder.
I have yet to see one of these beautiful birds, so it’s especially nice to see the photograph you feature here on your wonderful blog. Great angle. Superb capture!
Julie, I hope you get to see and photograph American Oystercatchers. They are such fun and so beautiful. Thanks for your wonderful comment.
Lovely! These are such wonderful birds, and Fort De Soto seems to be the place to find them.
Fort De Soto is an awesome place to find American Oystercatchers Scott and they are tons of fun to photograph. Thanks for commenting.