Recently hatched Oystercatcher sticking close to mum. 🐦


Is that the tōrea-pango? I've never seen them in real life. Amazing photo. Thank you.

@mmetcalfe It is indeed! Tōrea pango | Variable Oystercatcher. We have several pairs in that part of the beach. Another pair is sitting on a nest with 3 eggs.

@mmetcalfe We're so happy they nest here and succeed in breeding, in spite of numerous walkers with dogs and the occasional motor vehicle.

Birds are more resilient that we realise. But people should be more respectful of the rest of nature. We share this world.

@mmetcalfe These birds already live on the brink. 😁 I feel like going down there and giving them lessons on nesting. They 'nest' in the merest unlined scrape of sand, not far from the high-water mark. OTOH, if they're not actually sitting on the eggs they're highly alert to potential threats and scurry over to warn us away.