Mid morning - Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail - The resident Black Oystercatchers were carrying on something fierce - in groups of four to six, they were flying noisily between rock formations, and I do mean noisily.
(above photo - Oystercatcher habitat)
Their high piercing sound, which makes them easy to identify, can be heard at a distance of at least a 1/4 mile. The Oystercatchers were very active along the bluffs this warm, spring like morning.
Fortune shined when the opportunity arose to observe two separate flocks of four, flying between formations. The lead pair would find a suitable rock and land. The second pair looking like they were going to land in the same area, would suddenly veer off to a nearby, but not close, rock. (
Oystercatcher pair by Mike Baird)
Being a romantic at heart I thought this behavior might indicate the beginning of the breeding season, as fledged juveniles do not go off on their own until the next breeding season. Perhaps this behavior was an indication that breeding season was near and that the juveniles now have to face the reality that adulthood is just around the next rock.
(flying Oystercatchers by Mike Baird)
Today, Black Oystercatchers dominated the scene. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.
wonder how noisy they could be ,usually birds have nice sounds .Great photos you and Mike !
ReplyDelete