American Oystercatchers Return

The first pair of American oystercatchers spotted on Stony Beach Mar. 29. Justine Kibbe Photo

Three pairs of American oystercatchers have returned to Fishers Island. FIConservancy Naturalist Justine Kibbe observed the first pair at about 2 p.m. March 29 on Stony Beach in Hay Harbor. She reported the second pair on Sanctuary of Sands, along the Elizabeth Field Runway April 22 and the third pair on Stony Beach April 23.

“I tell young students that there is a great need on-Island to provide safe sanctuary and healthy habitat for dwindling wildlife,” Ms. Kibbe said.

The American oystercatcher, occasionally called the American pied oystercatcher, was originally called the “sea pie”. It was renamed in 1731, when naturalist Mark Catesby observed the bird eating oysters. Oystercatchers feed on crustaceans and mollusks and are able to open crab shells and oysters with their strong red beaks.

One of the second pair of American oystercatchers observed April 22 at Sanctuary of Sands along Elizabeth Field runway. Justine Kibbe Photo

The third pair of American oystercatchers were observed on Stony Beach, Hay Harbor April 23. Justine Kibbe Photo.