Black Oystercatcher with Clam Sushi

Here's another pair of photos from two weeks on Vancouver Island. This Black Oystercatcher was working hunting for its supper as the tide came in. It was fun to watch him probe into the sand find a clam then wedge his beak between the two shells.

Unfortunately these are big crops and the bird was backlit as the bright sun was setting. Even with Fill Flash I had a hard time trying to expose this bird. I still thought that they would be worth sharing as I've not seen many postings of these birds here.

The wedge

Very nice find and great captures Stephen.

Tremendous efforts despite the tough light. Sounds like you had a great Pacific Northwest bird tour while on the island.

these are my favorite birds!!!!

That looks very similar to a sooty oystercatcher that I saw at the weekend, but mine didn't find any oysters

Very well done in difficult light.

Thank your Reyno, Downy, Bsmith, Waussie and Sindri for your kind comments. I hope tto be able to get much better pictures later this year when I return to British Columbia.

That's a hoot Stephen. Looks like the clam caught the oystercatcher this time. LOL

I shot that white throated sparrow under the same conditions today. I don't think there is any good fix for when the sun is shining right on the lens.

Great captures! Love to see these guys in action

Stephen Stephen wrote in post #3142037
Here's another pair of photos from two weeks on Vancouver Island. This Black Oystercatcher was working hunting for its supper as the tide came in. It was fun to watch him probe into the sand find a clam then wedge his beak between the two shells.

Unfortunately these are big crops and the bird was backlit as the bright sun was setting. Even with Fill Flash I had a hard time trying to expose this bird. I still thought that they would be worth sharing as I've not seen many postings of these birds here.

Hey, cool shots of this bird. I know people living on Vancouver Island up in Courtenay and they use to go down to beach to collect oysters or clams when the tide was right. Believe it or not I have yet to visit Vancouver Island but a trip is on the to-do list.

When the subject is heavily back-lit, you may need to add + to the flash and/or to the EC. Spot metering would be helpful as well.

Mitch, Leo and Canon thank you for taking the time to comment. It's always appreciated. Canon thanks also for the flash and metering advice.