American Oystercatcher
(AMOY)
Speaking from only my experience, I had never seen as many American Oystercatchers in Chatham as there where in 2008. I enjoyed their unique cry throughout the entire season.
Sadly, only one pair nested on the island. The female laid a total of eight (goose size) eggs (four different nest attempts) with no success. Weather, tides and predators kept this pair from having a successful season.
A Mating pair
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)