By Russel Barsh
The Indian Island Marine Health Observatory confirmed today that there is a Black Oystercatcher nest with three eggs on Indian Island.
Thus far, the Canada geese nesting nearby have not interfered. Local volunteers ask that you avoid walking on the island until the Oystercatcher chicks have hatched and fledged. The nest is hard to see and could be trampled accidentally.
The U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan lists Black Oystercatcher as a “Species of High Concern,” based on its very small numbers and threats to its breeding grounds. Indian Island Marine Health Observatory volunteers will be on the beach during daytime low tides and can tell you more about the biology and status of these threatened seabirds on Orcas.
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