Local Birding: Black oystercatcher

Its striking yellow eyes and red eye rings, long, bright red and orange bill, pinkish legs and dark body make identifying black oystercatchers a simple task. Found along rocky shorelines, they are often seen on the shore at Semiahmoo Spit and in Birch Bay State Park. The birds forage in intertidal areas near the water's edge, often as receding tides that uncover food sources. Its strong bill is used to overturn rocks to look for shellfish, barnacles or small crabs, or pry open clams and mussels. Pairs remain together year-round. You might see black oystercatchers on Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival's field trips Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17.