Despite being a familiar species to many, Oystercatchers are on the UK’s Amber List.
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Although associated primarily with the coast and estuaries, Oystercatchers can be found across a large part of the UK, with breeding strongholds in the interior of Scotland However, they’re typically a feature of estuaries and bays throughout October. Morecambe Bay hosts the most wintering Oystercatchers in the UK with approximately 40,000 birds counted at high tide roosts last winter.
Oystercatchers are on our shores all-year round, and, thanks to their adaptability, they turn up in some surprising locations like car parks and urban rooftops. However, from autumn, you’ll likely see them in big groups along our shorelines. Through the colder months, they eat cockles and mussels, using their strong bill to prise open or hammer their prey.
Last year, the world’s oldest Oystercatcher was discovered by the Wash Wader Research group – thanks to the power of long-term bird ringing projects. Oystercatchers have an average life expectancy of 12 years old, but this record breaker had reached a whopping 43 years old.
Head outside and discover fascinating birds each month. Read on for top ID tips, what to listen for, and where to see them.
