Oystercatcher
Wouter Bruys Lyrics

Ruby Soho

We had a pair of Oystercatchers/ Sea Pies spring breed in the herb garden of Brownsea Island. The herb garden is used by the kitchen. The area they chose to breed in was blocked off to the public and staff so the birds didn't get stressed by the public and staff. The staff at Brownsea Island have been watching the chicks grow up from a safe distance. The Oystercatcher/ Sea Pies are such beautiful birds :) Thank you for the hard work that you do in making these videos :)

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you. Great work on fencing the area off to allow them to breed successfully, have they nested there for multiple years?

Ruby Soho

@A Shot Of Wildlife This was their first year there. So I am thinking they might come back next year to the same area, will see what happens

Calvin The Unfindable

Brilliant video, Liam. I saw my first Oystercatcher at Dungeness - I visit a few times a year. I was surprised how bold and striking the orange beak and the eyes where. Fascinating birds to watch, especially when they are digging for worms and that sort of thing.
Excellent info, another great video.

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thanks Calvin! If you catch them in the right light they are so vibrant, but they can also appear quite dull in the wrong lights. Thanks as always for your comment, catch you on the next one. Cheers

Calvin The Unfindable

@A Shot Of Wildlife you are very welcome :)

sea shell

I live in Wales, very near the coast and have seen these beautiful birds in a nearby field. I love to hear their calls to each other when they fly quite low over our house. I think they're my favourite birds 😊

A Shot Of Wildlife

Ahh, brilliant. Well hopefully this video helped you to learn a bit more about them :) Cheers!

Sjaak McD

Thank you Liam for another great video. Here in Bury Lancs they nest in the rolling hills under the Pennine moors. They can be heard flying over my estate and allotment. They feed on what is known as Elton Raz, which is an amazing place with humdreds of Twitchers turning up to see bonkers birds from; Pintails, common scoters, little grebe, hen harriers, merlin, cuckoos, godwits, snipe, 5 types of terns, osprays, and dozens of other super rare birds. Cheers

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you. That sounds like a brilliant place, which I will add to my list of places to visit when I can. Perhaps i'll make a video from my visit. Thanks for the tip!

IndusNoir

We were in Iceland this summer and we saw of lot of these beautiful birds. While sightseeing around the Snæfellsness peninsula, we went to get something to eat in one on the villages and we noticed an oystercatcher in the parking lot than seemed rather confused and reluctant to leave. Turns out she had laid three eggs just outside the restaurant, right in the grass next to the sidewalk. Poor girl, I still think of her sometimes and hope she is doing okay.

Peter Hicks

I see literally dozens of oystercatchers when I'm cycling along the Coast & Camel estuary with my camera & always seem to come home with at least one shot of them - they're so photogenic.
A Few weeks ago I watched a couple see off a lone adult & it took me ages to spot the 2 chicks, in a cleft in the rocks - their camouflage is incredible.

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thats interesting. A couple of weeks ago I was at a Norfolk coastline and there were plenty of families of oystercatchers, seemingly getting along well. But there was a bit of an altercation between a pair of oystercatchers and a pair of avocets (Which you might see in my next video). Thanks for watching!

6Panel

I see them quite often near where i live at local nature reserve. I now have a much better insight to them thanks to this video. 👍

A Shot Of Wildlife

Brilliant. Thats the aim of these videos, to help people know a bit more about the nature you can actually see where you live.

clarsach29

Definitely agree that they've moved inland since I was a nipper (40 years ago), much like herring gulls have done....I live in Perth which is about 25 miles from the coast in Scotland and you can regularly see (and hear!!) them in parks and gardens here.

Trucker Dashcam // Sweden

In Sweden we call them Strandskata. That translates into "Beach Magpie"
It´s one of my favorites when it comes to "common birds". Something about the orangae colors I guess.
I am a truck driver, and for some reason I often see them at different industrial areas...and ofc close to the sea.
Love your channel!

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thanks for that little bit of extra information, I see why they are called that. Cheers!

LeatherBack Vr

I’ve never seen an oystercatcher my self but they look incredible! Almost like a cross between a magpie and blackbird nice video!😊

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you very much. Its hard to see in videos but they are quite a chunk bigger than magpies or blackbirds but I do see where you are coming from. I hope you do get to see one in the flesh someday. Cheers!

LeatherBack Vr

I just saw one today!

Kate C

I just saw my first oystercatcher this weekend! Great to see that you updated a video on them. :)

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thats perfect timing then. I'm glad you saw your first one and subsequently found this video! Cheers

dungeoneer

We get them everywhere here (inland). Often on the farm most of the year round, but also nesting on the office garden roofs.

Leanne

As they feed on bi-valves I can't imagine that the mass release of sewage into our coastlines is helping them either! Used to hear lots of them flying through the central belt of Scotland, miles from actual coastline. :)

A Shot Of Wildlife

Yes, I think the knock on effect of that is unmeasurable but going to be seen for years to come sadly. There has to be another way!

Coecludd

Another information video, thank you. I live on the shore line and we have little egrets and oyster catchers. I wasn’t sure what call I was hearing, however I can actually hear an oyster catcher as I type this (the same as on this video). At least I know what bird I’m hearing now. 😊

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you very much! Im so glad you now know what call you was (are) hearing. Cheers.

Crow Friend

Great presentation and narration as usual! Big like. I grew up hearing the sound of these along the coast, think i will go try film them too 🙂

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you. Good luck searching for them. If you're going somewhere coastal, aim for high tide as that's when they'll be easiest to find.

Donna ML

Especially since Oystercatcher aren’t really oyster catchers, I think that I prefer the name “Sea Pies”, instead. Seems to fit them better. They are so beautiful. Did you do all the filming on this one? I really enjoy this video. It’s amazing that they live so long.

A Shot Of Wildlife

I think it's a great name for them.
No, unfortunately I did not do all the filming for this one. Most of the fact file videos I do are a mix of my own footage and creative commons footage. The wildlife walk videos are always all my own footage though. Thank you.

Donna ML

@A Shot Of Wildlife thanks for answering. Interesting.

A Shot Of Wildlife

@Donna ML youre welcome. One day, I would love to have the time to do all the filming myself, but I make these videos to try to educate people about wildlife and whilst having a normal full time job, it isnt feasible to film, script, narrate and then edit each video in my spare time- Especially when some thing in nature are so time sensitive.
Thanks for always watching and commenting, I really appreciate it.

Naturally Curious UK

😆 that Lapwing video thumbnail looks remarkably Avocet-like! 😆 Nice factoid about the Oystercatcher. A bird I'm pretty familiar with from my Hunstanton holidays, but the chinstrap outside the breeding season was news to me! Also it was good to see footage of the young but fully feathered bird with the shorter bill and flesh coloured legs. 👍👍👍

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thanks Graham. Funnily I am editing some footage from hunstanton as I type and some of the footage in this video is from there.
When I filmed this intro/outro I was certain I had made a fact file in the past about lapwings but it isn't on my channel so I think I must have imagined it. I'll do one soon so I can rectify my mistake. Cheers

Thomas Mcloney

Really well done series. Love them. Cheers 👍

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you!

EdMcF1

One of my favourite birds, always a joy to see and hear them. One of my favourite spots is the Bar at Wells-next-the-Sea.

A Shot Of Wildlife

Cheers! I havent been up to Wells for quite a while but will definitely get up there as the autumn birds start to arrive, its a lovely spot.

Anthony Alfred Yorke

Thanks Liam another wonderful video, what a great way to spend a relaxing few minutes watching the wonderful wildlife, what a great way to start the week. PEACE and LOVE to EVERYONE ❤❤.

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you. I hope you're week continues to be great!

Mike

Adorable, love the videos as always. Would love to see some owl's of Norfolk vids, been seeing so many recently. Although more difficult to film I suppose

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you! Owls are on my list, I have been trying to film barn owls for the past few weeks but with no success thus far. I often find that when I am looking for something, it is really hard to find and then once I have filmed one, I will see them everywhere lol. Cheers!

LilyRoses Handmade

Got to be one of my favourites. Loved learning a bit more about them. Sea pies! Never knew that 😊

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thanks Lily Rose!

Andy Haywood

Always look forward to your videos - keep up the great work 👌👍

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you Andy! I'm glad you're enjoying the video and have a few nice ones coming up which you'll hopefully enjoy too!

bob steele

Great vid Liam. I've seen the occasional pair of Oyster Catchers around my area, which is about 30 miles from the coast.

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thanks Bob. They are quite an exotic looking bird, especially if you see them away from the coast in an urban area.

Philip TAylor

Great video Liam. As a boy I was a bit obsessed with Oysercatchers, they used to roost on the Fylde Rugby Club train8ng pitch across the road from my house, I’d watch them from my bedroom window.

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thanks Philip. They used to nest on the Lidl roof opposite a house I lived in as a kid.

Richie Bainbridge

In my area of the northeast they are seen in the industrial areas and roofs in out town centre. There cries are very distinctive and keep well away from people.

A Shot Of Wildlife

They definitely seem to be one of the wading birds which has done quite well in places where people live. I guess its because they can bring food for their chicks unlike most other waders. Cheers!

Tony Critcher

We call the thing that 'came up on the screen now' .... Avocets. Another interesting thing about oystercatchers is that some 'hammer' into shells whilst others 'prise' their way in. Thanks for another great video!

A Shot Of Wildlife

I know, when I filmed this I was certain I had made a lapwing video before but I cannot find it on my channel now (strangely). I'm going to hop on a computer and hopefully find out where it's gone. Thanks for watching.

Tony Critcher

No probs, Hopefully it proves that I'm watching and paying attention. Keep up the good work!

A Shot Of Wildlife

@tonycritcher3419  yes, it definitely does. Thank you

Tony Critcher

@A Shot Of Wildlife Always a pleasure to watch

David Brown

We have a pair that nest on the roof of the sports centre just outside the Glasgow boundary. I don't know if it's because of the strong lighting but we hear them calling while flying at night.

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thats cool. I think I have heard them calling in the night here too, but didnt pay attention to if there were lights around or not.

K

Not long found your channel mate, its kept me entertained for a few hours watching your videos, keep them coming 👍

A Shot Of Wildlife

Cheers, I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the videos.

Rambling Rob

We have had two down Tilbury this year an after going down to a bottle dump area with long grass embankment an plenty of nice mud when the tide goes out they had two chicks an I have seen them grow into young Adults. Also down there Egyptian Geese an they had about 6 chicks which all seemed to have survived and looking like there parents now.
I think the Thames must be a pretty good place now for Wildfowl an Birds?

A Shot Of Wildlife

Cheers Rob. I have plans to visit the Thames estuary in the autumn so will be able to see how the wildlife is doing there and will definitely make a couple of videos from my visits. I know that some stretches of the Thames are quite healthy now which is a great turn around!

Buddha Ruci

We have them at the shore in New York City. They’re wonderful birds.

A Shot Of Wildlife

They'll be American oystercatchers which are slightly different but very similar.

bernard shields Tysonfive

Hi Liam brilliant video very interesting to watch keep up with all your wonderful work and videos Bernard

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you Bernard!

HelenaMikas

A great video Liam and I like the name Sea Pie .Tragic how once again humans are the cause of their falling numbers . If only people would give birds space , peace and quiet ..Terrific presentation .Like #124 Helena

A Shot Of Wildlife

I think people just dont realise how much we are all connected with the wildlife that is all around us. Cheers

I H.

That’s brilliant 👍
I work along the river Ichten and each year they nest on the industrial building roof. I have learned their different calls. And now I know due to their alarm calling when a chick has fallen off the edge. Time to go find the chick. Twice I have found chicks hiding and yes they hide well but the parents give their babies position away from the roof. Once caught I stand on a pallet and get a colleague to raise me up to roof level with a forklift truck where I release the young bird back to the parents.
Makes my day .

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thanks. Thats interesting, do the parents ever dive at you when you are trying to help or just get louder and more animated when you get closer to their chicks? I wonder how they manage to see them themselves, or if they just remember where they last saw them and go back to that place.

I H.

No they just call a lot to the fallen chick as if to say we’re here we’re here but we can’t help you. That’s where I CAN help😃

I H.

I would send you picture proof if I could work out how to put up a picture on comments.

I H.

But noting your question about dive bombing me , reminds me of an incident a couple of months ago where there was a police drone flying around the area. There was 5 seapies following and diving at it all across the river. Was a specticle!

A Shot Of Wildlife

Unfortunately you cant post photos in the comments on youtube, but if you use facebook, I have a page under the same name as this channel which you are welcome to share any photos to.

Mick Mc

Great vid Liam. I love the name Sea Pie, but I wonder why they call them that?

Crow Friend

Perhaps they taste good? 😮

stevekeiretsu

I'm presuming it was in the sense of 'sea (mag)pie', as the magpie was historically known as simply the 'pie' (and is also black and white of course)

Crow Friend

@stevekeiretsu Nailed it.

JohnyG29

A colouration of black and white is known as 'pied'.

A Shot Of Wildlife

Im guessing these people are right. A mix of their pied colour and where they are normally seen. I wonder if there are any other birds around the world that are known as pies....

Paul Sanderson

I think the way things are going we will have lost most if not all of our wildlife due to mankind.
And that would be a great shame .. keep up the good work work LIAM lets save these great birds before its too late

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you, everyone can do their own little bit, I like to think that mine is helping people to know about the wildlife that is around them. Cheers

Neil Bain

Are oystercatchers nocturnal at all? I see and hear them a lot at beaches or on a golf course where I stay during the day. At night they're beyond street lighting and I've often wondered if I can see them moving.

Ash Preston

I live about 20 miles from the coast and about a mile south of the River Ribble in Lancashire. They often fly over my house in the darkness of the night. I never see them, but I can hear their calls as they pass overhead.

A Shot Of Wildlife

I think they are probably able to move at night and have seen them on the mud flats after dark-which must make it very difficult for them to find food for sure!

William Robinson

Definitely 'seapies' is the better name. Nice one Liam! ⭐👍

A Shot Of Wildlife

Cheers, I might start a petition to bring it back. Who came up with the name oystercatcher anyway!

Ludwig Hohlwein

Nice one Liam, a beautiful bird indeed.

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thanks Ludwig.

Jess53nz

Funny how they look similar but different to our south island pied oystercatchers here in nz.

Chévi

Saw oystercatchers in the midlands. Had no idea what they were back then so we called it the Wotsit bird, because its bill looks like a wotsit

A Shot Of Wildlife

Haha, it is exactly the same colour as a wotsit to be fair!

NATUREBOY22

Great video mate! Lovely birds they are. By the way.. you said a video about Lapwings at the end and pointed at Avocets. Have a good day!😀👋

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you. Yes, when I was filming the intro and outro I thought I had made a video about Lapwings in the past, but I think I must have imagined it or not published it for some reason. But, I will upload a video about them soon and rectify my mistake.

NATUREBOY22

@A Shot Of Wildlife its all alright mate! Cant wait😄

D M

Another great video Liam, thanks.

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thanks for watching and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

Murray Edington

Loads of them in the Forest of Bowland, quite a way from the sea. And near Aviemore, ditto. Nice Avocet at the end!

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thats interesting, I dont know the area but there must be something around there that attracts them.
Yes, When I filmed this I was sure I had made a lapwing video in the past but I cannot find it on my channel... Maybe I imagined it but at least theres one more video for me to make in the future. Cheers!

Chris Trella

We have them on the NJ shore and other coastal locations in the USA

A Shot Of Wildlife

They will be american oystercatchers. Very similar but a slightly different species.

SuperKoi123

I was lucky enough to photograph one or two last week in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

A Shot Of Wildlife

Nice, I haven't been to check my local site for them recently but will do soon :)

EdMcF1

The vid at the end looks like an Avocet to me, not a lapwing I'd say it's black and white 🙂

A Shot Of Wildlife

I know, when I filmed this I was certain I had made a lapwing video before but I cannot find it on my channel now (strangely). I'm going to hop on a computer and hopefully find out where it's gone and sort it out. Thanks for watching, hopefully I can get the lapwing video in its rightful place.

Gerri Milner

found this imediatly after watching "a chick called albert" hatching an oyster catcher
sea pies awsome name we should bring it back!

Crow Friend

That dude is an awesome bird saviour!

A Shot Of Wildlife

That was a happy coincidence on my part. He's a great storyteller!

SkylarkFields

Excellent Liam! Lovely video!

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you :)

WatchRWildlife

Were they known as 'Sea Pies' because their feathers are black and white? 🤔

JohnyG29

Yes, like magpies.

A Shot Of Wildlife

I wonder where the "Mag" comes from in magpies.

Rambling Rob

Firstly I had to find your channel again, it said unsubscribed when i found again, I don't know why I have watched loads of your videos an i love these ones the best. Keep up the Gr8 work Liam.

A Shot Of Wildlife

Good job on finding it again Rob, a few people have said similar but YouTube denies that it automatically unsubscribes people so I dont know what has happened, must be a glitch. But the important thing is that you are back. (I can see you've commented twice so will respond more to the other comment)

Apollo

Beeper birds.Their call is a beep. Love them.

Tamar Harris

A Chick Called Albert posted about an oyster catcher that he raised today.

Crow Friend

I saw that too! 🙂

A Shot Of Wildlife

That was good timing!

Steve

Bring back the sea pie name....😂

stdavid fitzroy

Great upload !

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you!

Jim

Excellent

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you!

Chris Stones

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you

Anne Moran

Many thanks 😅

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you

I H.

Thanks!

A Shot Of Wildlife

Thank you so much!

Paul Ohara

👏👍👌🤘

Jill Atherton

👍

stevebsh

❤❤❤

Mark Bird

Sea pies it is.....

Alistair Cameron

Lapwing???? Thats an Avocet. Love your stuff but you got to get it right bud. 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🥊🥊😂😂

A Shot Of Wildlife

Haha, I know, when I filmed this I was certain I had made a lapwing video before but I cannot find it on my channel now (strangely). I'm going to hop on a computer and hopefully find out where it's gone and sort it out. Thanks for watching, hopefully I can get the lapwing video in its rightful place.

Monica E. Golak