VARIABLE OYSTERCATCHER

This is probably a bit boring for some - but getting round the traps today I found the tide a bit difficult - actually this time of year Early summer) I think the bird populastion on the ChCh Estuary is somewhat diminished as half the population is sitting on eggs - which half is debatable but it'll be either hens or cocks.

Anyway I have a couple of variable Oyster-catcher friends who appear pretty well in the same place each low tide and I decided to visit them again and renew my acquaintance.

The variable OC ( for the bird-watchers - but not Horrigans!!) goes through two phasesd and this is its black phase - it'll end up pied - but not to be confused with the South Island (NZ)Pied OC.

Anyway there it is for what its worth.
rgds Pooba