American Oystercatcher
(AMOY)
Speaking from only my experience, I have never seen as many American Oystercatchers in Chatham as there are right now. I have yet to take a trip to the island that has not been accompanied by the unique cry of this interesting looking bird.
On the island, a pair has begun to scrap and show signs of their dedication to one another by resting and feeding together. The (assumed) male has also been observed "mate guarding". Basically driving off any other Oystercatchers that fly into the area.
A Mating pair
Another reason I think they are a mating pair has to do with the fact that are in the same area a nesting pair had two unsuccessful nesting attempts last year.
Keep an eye on the Blog to see their day to day progress.
The American Oystercatcher is a large, conspicuous shorebird, common in coastal salt marshes and sand beaches throughout the central part of its range.
One of the few birds to specialize on bivalve mollusks living in saltwater, this species is completely restricted to marine habitats. Two races breed in North America—the eastern nominate race along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts south, and a second race along the Pacific coast from northwestern Baja California south.
Seen in late August, notice the Bands on some of the birds
(Click for a larger image)