American Oystercatcher family – Nikon D200, handheld, f8, 1/250, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
It has been five and a half years since I photographed American Oystercatchers at Fort De Soto County Park in Florida and oddly enough I still dream about these shorebirds.
At one point in time they were a nemesis for me, I couldn’t get the light right, the birds took off just as I got focused or they were too far away.
Then one day I got wonderful, frame filling shots and after that they were a nemesis no more.
I followed this family of American Oystercatchers from June of 2008 until October or November of that year.
I may have seen the juvenile (on the left) the next year but once it molted to its adult plumage I wouldn’t have recognized it.
American Oystercatcher chicks seem to spend a longer time with their parents than other shorebirds I have observed.
I miss these fascinating shorebirds but I still see (and hear) them in my dreams.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Oystercatcher photos plus facts and information about this species.
I am wandering some where in the desert, please feel free to share this post.
Hi! Beautiful birds and wonderful job you did getting such clear colorful photo’s. Keep up the great photo’s! Have a great day!
Gorgeous. Interesting that they stay with their family longer. Do you know why?
Love the colors in these birds…wish I’d known more about them when we lived in Florida…
Living in the Ozarks although beautiful, I do miss my Texas shorebirds.
Really nice, the family having their lunch.