Sea Pie by danob
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
This very attractive bird has feautured recently on one of our nature prograames "Spring Watch"
where the pairs of breeding birds were quite able to see off sheep who stray into the nest site..
In the early 1970s there was a great deal of public debate concerning the oystercatchers or 'sea pie'. Chiefly, it was all bad publicity for this very attractive shorebird, for where they assemble in vast numbers on cockle and mussel 'lays' they were said to be threatening the livelihood of local fishermen.
In 1974 Permission was granted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for numbers of oystercatchers on certain parts of the west coast to be reduced by several thousands. Personally, I found it rather sad that so many of these colourful birds had to be destroyed.
During the past 40 years or so there appears to have been a general increase in numbers of oystercatchers, and today big flocks can be seen on favourite sand-banks and mudflats, paddling about in search of shellfish and small crustacea. But why this bird has been called oystercatcher is not very clear, since there is hardly any evidence that they are capable of opening a fully developed oyster. Oyster beds where young oysters are matured are as carefully looked after today as are game preserves, and it does not seem that the 'sea pie' has been one of the enemies.
Thanks for taking time to look and any comments

Comments (22)
This is a fantastic photo of impressive detail my friend....!!! V
Simply destroyed and not even eaten? Their diet should make them delicious. The absurdities are increasingly beyond satire. Did you hear the one about the Chicago Alderman's response to a proposal in the City Council to buy a dozen gondolas for one of the lakes in a Chicago Park. "Why not just buy a breeding pair? In a few years we'll have dozens...."
lovely shot....such a long beak and soooo orange....I like also the reflection in the water...well seen
Love his long bill and pretty eyes. Great colors! V (:
never before heard of a sea pie lol what an marvoulous bird and beautiful capture !! so beautiful witht that reflection... awesome shot ! V!
Outstanding capture !
Beautiful bird, love the water too......
Fantastic Bird, great capture and very interesting story...Thanks for that!
Great shot and thanks for the history!
Gosh you got close!! Saw one of these pecking away on the 8th green at my golf club last summer - so they turn up in all sorts of different places - a success story of sorts. Beautiful, crisp shot!
Outstanding picture !!. I know them very well. About 20 years ago they lived alongside the shore exclusively, but now they can be found everywere in Holland.. even in our cities sometimes.
Perfect shot as usual and very impressive !!! Bravo :)
Terrific that you're able to get so close. The New World version is all black, very shy, and not very photogenic, either.
Very interesting information about this beautiful bird. Aloha
Wonderful capture of this cool bird!!!!!
Today conservation means killing and burning. Probably a heritage from the Normans originally being Viking raiders. You're not one of those weak Saxons or Angles are you? Part of the Warrior Spirit it seems. ugh! unnnh!
A lovely bird. Interesting info again.
What a beautiful bird........and thanks for the Info..my computer won't let me Vote and on Mozilla I can't see an image at all any suggestions so 5 stars from me***** I am having surgery next Wed possibly a few days stay in ICU please keep me in your thoughts and prayers Hugs Susan~
I have no idea but do know birds have abilities beyond their appearance. very beautiful bird
Superb capture. Danny.. Clarity is fantastic. Almost better than looking with my own eyes!! We have them here too such a joy!! Hugs, Di.
What an interesting beak this bird has! I love the water and reflection in this shot! Nice DOF too. Beautiful capture Danny! Have a most excellent day my friend!
Hello!Ciao!AMAZING capture!!I love very much this extraordinary shot with stunning colors,great clarity,fantastic details and magnificent reflections in the water!!You made another breathtaking masterpiece my dearest friend!!Excellent work!!Really well done!!I enjoyed a lot this your wonderful photo!!Thank you for sharing!!V!!I wish you a happy day!A big hug!!