Kelly's Point Black Oystercatchers

Click👆🏻About™ : Kelly’s Point, Guemes Island, WA

Black Oystercatcher

Moment: “Wait for It”

Weather: Partly Sunny

Crowd: None

Time at Location: 1.5 Hours

Date: 03.17.2025

Observation: A "parcel" of seven Black Oystercatchers

AI Assistant: The black oystercatcher is a fascinating shorebird! One standout fact is that it has a bright colored bill that's perfectly adapted for prying open shellfish like mussels and limpets—a key part of its diet. These birds are also known for being highly territorial, often fiercely defending their rocky coastal habitats. Plus, their jet-black feathers and piercing yellow eyes make them quite striking against the backdrop of tidepools and rugged shores.

Capture: I found the oystercatchers on the shoreline and sat on a rock about thirty feet away, keeping the sun behind me for optimal lighting. I waited as they moved closer, remaining still and silent. They came within five feet of me and continued feeding on limpets attached to the rocks, providing excellent photo opportunities after a long wait. THE STORY

Note: For optimal results, I try to set the camera at approximately the same height as the wildlife's eyes.

Equipment: Nikon Z7 II ~ Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 👈🏻Amazon

Distance From Subject: 5 Feet

Tripod Used: Monopole  3 Legged Thing  👈🏻Amazon

Setting: Always Manual Mode 1/500s ~ f/8 ~ ISO 160 ~ 600MM 

© Chris LeBoutillier

“Photographs are silent; one’s thoughts give them life.” ™  -Chris LeBoutillier