Black Oystercatcher

Description:

The black oystercatcher is a large entirely black shorebird, with a long (9 cm) bright red bill and pink legs. It has a bright yellow iris and a red eye-ring. Its plumage varies slightly from north to south, being darker further north.

Habitat:

Black Oystercatchers are resident from the W. Aleutians to east and south along the coast to Morro Bay, California, and on offshore islands to Baja California. Black Oystercatchers spend their entire lives in or near intertidal habitats.

Notes:

Went down to a portion of Natural bridges, to a tide pool section and saw a small group of them picking through the muscles for a meal. Snapped a few pictures after getting close but not to close.