Normally a Black Oyster Catcher but we don’t have many Oysters in the Valdez Bay. Those intense yellow eyes are definitely what gets your attention whenever you see one of these birds!
Sony a6500, FE100400GM @ 150 mm, ISO-400, f/6.3, 1/2500, hand held.
What a great shot, Gary, and yes, those eyes are really an “eye catcher” on the Oyster Catcher. Perfect for the WC. I love the shell hanging on his beak. Very nice shot.
Gary, a fine up close look at this Oyster Catcher. That eye, yellow with an orange eye ring is amazing. Any information on why it and the beak have evolved to their colors?
Mark; I have no idea how the their unique brilliant coloring evolved but I do know that they aren’t born with those colors. they develop later as they mature. I can see why, as that kind of visibility would be a big liability for a young chick! Here’s a photo of one of this bird’s chicks.
Impressive color, detail, and color contrast here. Well composed.
