Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus)

The bird of the month for November is a shorebird species that inhabits rock shelves and rocky beaches and is found along almost all coastal areas of Australia. They can typically be seen in the Illawarra foraging on crustaceans and molluscs along the rock platforms that border many local beaches.

They prefer the quieter beaches as they are sensitive to disturbance and can be deterred by unaware beachgoers or off-leash dogs that enter their habitat. Given that they are listed as vulnerable in NSW, be sure to look out for the oystercatchers and be mindful to give them plenty of space so we can continue to enjoy these unique birds.

I photographed this bird at some distance as it came in to land at the rock platform at Wombarra Beach as the tide came in. Beaches between Scarborough and Coledale offer a nice haven for these birds with their extensive rock platforms and smaller crowds.