The twelve different species of oystercatchers are widely spread throughout the world. I’ve always been a big fan of these birds and have photographed them on several continents. This guy is the Magellanic oystercatcher — along with the blackish oystercatcher — one of the two species that live in the Falkland Islands. Magellanic oystercatchers can get pretty feisty and I saw them continually dive-bombing a caracara (eagle-like raptor). The caracara must have been too close to a nest that was on the ground. Whatever the case, it gave me a good opportunity to capture flight shots as the two oystercatchers kept circling before diving down. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/5.6 at 1/3200th of a second
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The twelve different species of oystercatchers are widely spread throughout the world. I’ve always been a big fan of these birds and have photographed them on several continents. This guy is the Magellanic oystercatcher — along with the blackish oystercatcher — one of the two species that live in the Falkland Islands. Magellanic oystercatchers can get pretty feisty and I saw them continually dive-bombing a caracara (eagle-like raptor). The caracara must have been too close to a nest that was on the ground. Whatever the case, it gave me a good opportunity to capture flight shots as the two oystercatchers kept circling before diving down.
Love those birds, didn’t know there were that many species.
Made to run and pry —- With legs tucked and beak ablaze the —- pied wings cleave the sky .
I was expecting some sort of tribute to Elvis. I’m hoping this guy is, at a minimum, the King of oyster catchers.
Is it Elvis’s birthday or something?
I like the oystercatcher.
Such a clean, crisp shot. Love it that the details are so visible. And the orange beak against the blue sky – wow!
Just curious: what is the wing span on this fine oystercatcher?
Hey Tommy, between two and three feet.
The colors are spectacular. It’s a beautiful picture.
great flight of bird in actainon.