VARIABLE OC

This is the Variable oystercatcher (in flight) So named as it has various stages of colour thru its maturity - It goes from Pied to less pied and the black as seen here. The Imature Variable is browner than dark black. They are a bit bigger than the South Island Pied Oystercatcher. There are currently hundreds of Oyster-catchers on the ChCh Estuary - I think there is a meeting of like minds.
I was out sailing yesterday and we saw a great flock take off from an island on South Shore. My sailing prevented a blip !! NAUGHTY ( I know )
rgds poo