Black Oystercatcher

The Black Oystercatcher (Scientific name - Haematopus bachmani) is a large shorebird found along the shoreline of Western North America from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska and South to the Baja Penninsula. They are mainly black but have a large red bill and a red ring around the eyes. They have pale pink legs. From a distance they resemble a crow until one sees the bill.  They are very engaging to watch, especially when they interact with one another. As the name suggests they feed on submerged shellfish, however Oysters are rarely consumed.  Photos taken at Tsawwassen, British Columbia in April 2014.

Fox Sparrow

The Fox Sparrow (Scientific name - Passerella iliaca) is a fairly large sparrow that likes to forage on the ground for its food. This bird is found throughout North America from Alaska in the North and as far South as Baja California. The Fox Sparrow is mostly rusty brown with a rust and grey head. The breast is heavily marked with distinctive rufous chevrons.  The photos were taken in March 2014 at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Delta, B.C. (Top) and in April 2014 at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve in Chilliwack, B.C.