Oystercatcher

[Lily]

I was leaving my uni campus today which is just across the road from Swansea bay and I noticed a strange looking bird in the middle of the meadow on campus. It didn't look like the usual pigeon/magpie/jackdaw that usually frequent the grass which is what made me have a double take.
Although it was quite far away I could tell from it's colour and bill that it was an oystercatcher. We do obviously get oystercatchers on the bay but I've never seen one actually on campus before. From what I've heard I thought they were quite sensitive to disturbance however there were cars driving around the edge of the grass and a few people walking about too.

Is this strange behaviour for an oystercatcher or have I just not been looking hard enough?

[Jason Green]

Evening Lily,

I don't have much experience around Oystercatchers, but would assume this to be normal-ish behaviour - worms form a part of their diet. Maybe a rough sea moved it inland? The winter sometimes brings birds into closer contact with us in the search for food.

Take care,

Jason

[aeshna5]

Yes this isn't particularly unusual behaviour. In parts of Highland they regularly breed + feed inland (not that yours was far inland!). When I go up to Norfolk I regularly see a flock feeding on the golf course at Hunstanton.

[Lily]

Yeah, I guess that all makes sense. Thanks guys.
I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for more interesting spots around campus

[rossy]

hello lily i think i put about oystercatchers a while ago , years ago whilst on holiday at pontins they actually nested on the chalet roofs and on the railway line at the side of the camp also on the airfield at squires gate in blackpool, at the time i was surprised , but it just shows how birds will use man made structures if it suits regards rossy.

[Lily]

Ahah, they certainly don't mind a bit of human disturbance then.
I wonder where I'd got the idea that they were so sensitive from.

[rossy]

can certainly say i was surprised myself, but these once mainly coastal birds have for a number of years come more inland ie reservoirs, lakes, they have learned how to adapt as man takes up more land by constantly building, similar to other animals , they dont have a say , rossy.

[welshgold]

Originally Posted by Lily

Ahah, they certainly don't mind a bit of human disturbance then.
I wonder where I'd got the idea that they were so sensitive from.

WOW! I know it's a pain but PLEASE PLEASE have your camera ready next time and let's see some pics!

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Lily

Ahah, they certainly don't mind a bit of human disturbance then.
I wonder where I'd got the idea that they were so sensitive from.

Disturbance to breeding birds and habitat disturbance are problem's but not people walking/driving by.

I am coastal and we often get birds on football pitches, golf courses etc.

[Harold Smith]

I don' think it is unusual to see Oystercatchers away from the coast. Some years ago I saw about half a dozen on the bank of a small stream on Knipe Moor in Cumbria.

Harold.