Oystercatcher on Nest, Mate on Walkabout

Nesting Oystercatcher

American Oystercatchers make “divot” nests, basically a depression in the ground which in this case was a mound of shells.

Oystercatcher on Nest
Oystercatcher on Nest

While one adult sat on the nest the other paced around…

Oystercatcher on Nest, Mate on Walkabout
Oystercatcher on Nest, Mate on Walkabout

…what else is there to do until the young hatch?

Oystercatcher on Walkabout
Oystercatcher on Walkabout

I didn’t get a very good picture of the overall scene, but this gives you an idea of how vulnerable these birds are.

Oystercatcher on Nest, Mate on Walkabout
Oystercatcher on Nest, Mate on Walkabout

Marsh edge of Kiawah River, SC
June 1, 2022

2 thoughts on “Nesting Oystercatcher”

    1. I don’t think so, Steve, at least not the fake injury ploy like a Killdeer will do.

      One of the biggest risks for shore bird nesting success is leaving the eggs uncovered in the sun which results in the egg getting cooked. So the bird on the nest knows to stay put if at all possible.

      From AllAboutBirds .com:

      Male and female take turns incubating the eggs, and both defend eggs and young, driving away intruders (including other oystercatchers) with calls, chases, and aggressive flight.

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