I spent the Summer months of 2022 guiding my anglers after Redfish in the shallow bays among Hammocks Beach State Park. One particular bay, lined by Spartina Grass, had two small islands made of Oyster shells, which were inhabitated by mated pairs of American Oystercatchers. Althought I enjoyed watching them, I never got around to photographing these particular birds last year. About a month ago, I noticed that the same birds had returned to the same little island. With a little bit of free time the other morning, I anchored about 30ft off the Oyster shell island, laying low, as a light drizzle fell from the sky, observing and photographing these birds.
One of the pair was hard at work, wading among the Oysters trying to find it's next meal.
I didn't even notice it while I was taking the photo, but there was a small Blue Crab trying to defend itself against the Oystercatcher.
I don't think the Oystercatcher had any intentions of eating the Blue Crab, but nevertheless, the crab was ready to go to battle.
I always assumed that the American Oystercatcher got it's name because they hunted for meals of crab, shrimp and aquatic worms that lived among the Oysters. Well, they sometimes do, but I was shocked when I learned the real reason for their name.
They actually catch Oysters! They wade among the bivalves, looking for one that is partially open. Then they quickly shove their beak inside, and snip the abductor muscle so that the Oyster can't close it's shell. Then a couple more snips and they pull the Oyster loose from it's shell and slurp it up. I love Oysters, but I'll stick with my Oyster knife when it comes to opening them. I was fortunate enough to actually catch a few frames on the camera right when the bird pulled the Oysters loose.
Back at it, hunting for the next unsuspecting Oyster.
Ooooh! Here's one!
With a full belly, it's time to return to the island. Â
Hmmm, it is nearly lunch time!
The "significant other" Oyster Catcher has caught a Ribbed Mussel...or has the Ribbed Mussel caught the Oyster Catcher? Ouch! That's what happens when you go sticking your beak where it's not invited.
Until next time Oystercatchers....