The Black Oystercatcher

The Black Oystercatchers live along the rocky shores searching for marine mussels, snails and worms. They actually don't eat oysters. Their long narrow beaks makes it easy for them to find food in between the rocks and in tide pools. They also nest on the rocks above the high tide line.

Our favorite spot to see them is at Rosario Beach. From the bluff you can see them flying over the water or sitting on the rocks to the northwest where they nest. It is recommended that you watch them from a distance, in order not to disturb their nest. Binoculars or cameras are good tools for that.

Oystercatchers are a good indicator of the health of the intertidal ecosystem and it seems that it is a healthy one at Rosario Beach in the Deception Pass area!

Text and photo by Rosi Jansen