American Oystercatchers - Meet Ozzy
 
About Me  Names Haematopus palliatus American oystercatcher Nickname: Ozzy Description I’m 16’’ in length with a very bright orange bill and a black head and back. My wings are dark grey and my tummy is white. I’m strikingly handsome! My Photo Album  My Baby Photo  My bother & me as chicks  Favorite Foods  Oysters Clams Mussels Barnacles Snails Links  www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i2860id.html .http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i2860id.htmlshapeimage_2_link_0
 
It’s all about me! My name is Ozzy and I’m addicted to oysters! Its true I really eat oysters, they are among my favorite foods! I insert my long bill in between the two shells and pry them apart, pretty cool, huh? I’m shy and highly susceptible to human disturbance. Bird watchers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts should try not to disturb our nesting areas as we are an at risk species. Because I live and feed at the seashore, salt builds up in my blood from the salty water. Special glands help the me drain excess salt out of my system. I have a long mating season that runs from February through July. I’ll build a nest that is a shallow depressions scraped into the higher parts of your sandy beach, above the high tide line. My mate and I will stay together for life. She will typically lay two to four buff-colored eggs with light and dark brown spots. Our chicks can run within 24 hours of hatching, but it takes up to 60 days for their beaks to become strong enough to pry open their own oysters! The young birds may remain with us for up to six months. In 2005 there were 10 breeding pairs, producing 7 fledglings, in 2006 there were 17 nesting pairs, with one fledgling. I can expect to live ten years or longer. Unless, of course a dog, cat, raccoon or fox find me first! I sometimes winter in Florida or the Caribbean. Some Oystercatchers that have summered father north spend the winter at the point. In 2006 a significant number of Oystercatchers spent the winter at the point! About 30% of the state’s population winter at the point. How do we know all this NJ bands a number of us and tracks our movements! Thanks for getting to know me. Ozzy I nest at the Point