Oystercatchers at China Beach
Low sun on short winter days yields nice light, active wildlife feeding and changes in the normally quiet Pacific Ocean. Today's warm weather brought a ripping high tide to San Francisco's China Beach - and a nice feeding opportunity for certain birds. These rare oystercatchers roosted on a convenient boulder with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge until advancing waves washed them onward...According to Wikipedia, the Black Oystercatcher is a species of high conservation concern throughout its range (U.S., Canadian, Alaskan, and Northern & Southern Pacific Shorebird Conservation Plans), its global population size is estimated between 8,900–11,000 individuals. It is a keystone indicator species along the north Pacific shoreline, and a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service focal species for priority conservation action...San Francisco, CA - November 21, 2012.