Category Archives: Point Lookout

Lesser Black-backed Gull

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Monday, September 28, 2020,

This is a new bird to me. I had seen it at the shore’s edge and just assumed it was another Great Black-backed Gull. I never expect to see unusual birds. However, when I saw it trying to steal food from an Oystercatcher, I had to give it a second look. While this bird is larger than an Oystercatcher, the difference is not huge. On the other hand, a Great Black-backed Gull is nearly twice the size of my beloved Oystercatchers. Guessing, and hoping , that I had something new, I decided to take a couple pics of it. When I got home and compared my photos to online resources, I was pleased to confirm my hunch. Oh, and by the way, the Oystercatcher kept its meal. That would have been unlikely with a Great Black-backed Gull, who are notorious bullies. JK.

JK

Looking Back

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Thursday, September 24, 2020,

This is a juvenile Oystercatcher looking back at me as I was photographing it at Point Lookout Beach. I don’t know that this will be the last juvenile Oystercatcher that I photograph this year, but these pics do make for a decent bookend for what has been a pretty good year for Oystercatchers here on Long Island. This particular bird was banded, as you can see in the photo below, so I hope that I can maybe photograph it next year or, at the very least, follow it’s exploits in the coming years. I wish you well, my young one, and I truly hope that our paths cross again.  JK.

JK

Sanderling Standoff

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Monday, August 17, 2020,

These two Sanderlings are having a bit of a disagreement. The one on the left is attempting to steal the Mole Crab in the foreground. The Sanderling on the right is protecting his hard won and presumably delicious breakfast. The local Oystercatchers seem to  enjoy this very same meal.

The bird on the right advances, causing the interloper, who may be a juvenile, to take an airborne hop backwards. The would-be thief soon left, leaving our hero to enjoy his catch in peace.  JK

JK