Birds Of The Shore

Sandy beaches are fine for swimming and sunbathing. But if you want to watch shore birds, the thing to look for is lots of sticky mud. Muddy shores contain a hidden world of small animals, from worms to tiny snails, and many different kinds of birds feed on them. Most of these birds are waders-birds with long legs and probing beaks.

Beak With A Bend

You don't have to be the world's smartest bird-watcher to recognize an avocet, because it is one of the few birds with a beak that curves upward.
"Although it can swim, the avocet usually strides through the water on its long legs. Its legs are so long that they trail behind the avocet when it flies."

A feast In The Mud

The bar-tailed godwit reaches deep into the mud with its long beak, which snaps open and shut just like a pair of tweezers.

The Stone Turner

Flocks of turnstones can be seen walking along the shore in search of food. These small birds turn over stones with their probing bills, hoping to find crabs and other small animals.

Shell Smasher

If you have ever collected seashells, you know how tough they are. But small shells are no match for the oystercatcher. With sharp blows of its strong, rod-like beak, it smashes them open and eats the soft animals inside.
"The herring gull uses its powerful beak to pull apart its food and also to peck its way to the front in the scramble to eat"

Anything Goes

Some birds are very choosy about what they eat, but the herring gull will feed on almost anything. Dead fish, baby birds, earthworms, and rotting garbage are all on the menu when it looks for food.