I’ve got a couple of days off this week and today headed out to the rocky outcrops below the Green Point campground in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The rocks at Green Point are excellent for intertidal exploration. In addition they are often good for shorebirds like black oystercatchers that prefer rocky coastline.
At Green Point, a pair of black oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani)—know as BLOYs in birding shorthand—have successfully nested and have two chicks. I borrowed a Sigma 70-300mm telephoto lens from work and thought that this might be a good chance to try it out. The quality of this lens and the images it produces are not impressive. However, the light was less than ideal (mid day) so that may have been a factor. At least I didn’t have to get too close to the bird in order to get some photographs.
Give Nesting Black Oystercatchers Space
Something to think about while exploring natural areas in your own backyard. Make sure to give shorebirds and their young plenty of space at this time of year. And despite signs to the contrary I saw plenty of people walking their dogs off leash in the area. Of course, the standard argument is that the dog is always well behaved and would never cause a problem. Unfortunately, this type of dog owner doesn’t realize that his or her animal chasing wildlife is unnatural behaviour and detrimental to wild animals.
Dog Closure Implemented in 2022
Note that in 2022 Pacific Rim National Park reserve implemented a dog closure from Comber’s Beach through to the rocks at Green Point from April 14 through to October 1. This management action was in direct response to ongoing issues with dogs off leash and their interaction with migrating shorebirds and nesting birds like black oystercatchers. Hopefully this will reduce the stress on the black oystercatchers in years to come.
A bit harsh on the dog – perhaps the owner could meet with the large predator.
I guess you’re right – it’s the owner that is making the decision and not the dog…
I have the same lens. I think it’s the autofocus missing its target by a metre or so. My next lens may very well be a replacement for this one. (I appreciate your photo talk, btw. Always nice to hear the tech part of the photos you capture)
Nice shot! Looks like that bird has a band on its leg. Is there any kind of monitoring program going on at this reserve?
Thanks for the comment Brauna – Parks Canada is actively monitoring the population of Black Oystercatchers as an indicator species for rocky intertidal ecological health. You can read more about it at the Pacific Wildlife Foundation website and the Parks Canada website (note that it seems like the Parks Canada website is currently down).