Oystercatcher and a sheep

[Catherine]

Today we drove through the Trough of Bowland, having lunch at Puddleducks Cafe in Dunsop Bridge (new owners and our lunch was fantastic) as we got on to the top of the moorland we stopped to look at the view across the moorland to Morcambe Bay. (Which was fabulous)

We had our big binoculars with us and as we were looking at the views I spotted an oystercatcher sitting on eggs in the rushes across the field. Standing at the side of it nose to nose was a sheep. The oystercatcher was really brave as the sheep wasn't going anywhere and neither was the oystercatcher. This stand off went on for some 10 minutes. We kept watching them, the OC kept poking the sheep with its beak and flapping its wings but it didn't move off the nest. The sheep headbutted the OC but still she? didn't move. Eventually, after sniffing the bird several times and eating the grass around the nest the sheep moved off. What bravery from this lovely bird. (it is my OH's favourite bird and I have been trying for some time to get a really good wood carving of it but never succeeding) Any suggestions on where I could get one from gratefully received as it is his birthday next month!).

[Geoff]

I like Oystercatchers too. I have a theory that they must be totally inedible - if anything tasty flew over making the noise like they do surely the shotgun halfwits would have sent them extinct by now.

[Ricard with an H]

What a lovely story Catherine, thank you.

I don't get to do much bird watching mainly because of a walking problem though I do have the ability to access areas from time-to-time that would be envied by those without a walking problem.

We have a few estuary areas that are accessible though during better weather for humans the humans tend to come out in droves.

Thank you again, I must make more of an effort.

[Monika]

How lovely, Catherine, and what a brave bird.

We can see the oystercatchers from our allotment but, as with the hirundines and swifts, their numbers have gone down drastically in recent years. Unfortunately, the reason for that is manmade: Yorkshire Water opened the surrounding area of our local moorland reservoir to the public some years ago. This brings in lots of walkers and especially dog walkers who don't generally follow the instructions on the notice boards to keep their charges on a lead. As the birds usually fed along the water's edge, they are now constantly disturbed - hence, they have moved off.

Catherine, some years ago, they were selling some beautiful bird carvings including oystercatchers, at Martin Mere, the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust near the coast.. They may still do.

[Catherine]

Thank you Monika I will check it out. Yes it was nice watching this bird standing up to the sheep.

[Ricard with an H]

. This brings in lots of walkers and especially dog walkers who don't generally follow the instructions on the notice boards to keep their charges on a lead.

Dog walkers, now you rang my bell.