The Black Oyster-catcher 



General Range. — Pacific Coast of North America from Lower California north 

 to the Aleutians; the Kurile Islands; breeding throughout most of its range, south at 

 least to Los Coronados Islands; and wintering south from southern British Columbia. 



Distribution in California. — Fairly common resident on the coastal islands 

 south to San Clemente; and common visitor to rocky or exposed portions of adjoining 

 coasts. 



Authorities. — Gambel (Haematopus ater), Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., ser. 2; 

 i., 1849, p. 221 (San Pedro); Willett, Condor, vol. xi., 1909, p. 186 (San Luis Obispo Co.; 

 desc. nest, eggs, habits); Howell, Pac. Coast Avifauna, no. 12, 1917, p. 51 (s. Calif, ids.). 



PROSY hedgerows and quiet duck-ponds for such as like them; but 

 roaring reefs and a pounding sea for the Black Oyster-catcher! And 

 what more romantic spot to charm the eye and fire the imagination than 

 a bird rock in the blue Pacific! The fog, it may be, shrouded the entire 

 scene at daybreak, but as we launch out from the surf at nine o'clock, it is 

 clearing away, and only stray wisps of mist cling about the battlements 

 of the promised isle, a league offshore. As we approach, uneasy gulls and 

 inquiring puffins pass near us overhead, the former drifting up as though 

 casually, but quavering suspiciously; the latter including us upon the 

 rim of great circles several times repeated, and checking their flight each 

 time sufficiently to survey us with grave and careful curiosity. The cor- 

 morants begin to shift uneasily upon their nests, while disengaged mem- 

 bers of their company join the increasing ranks of scouts. Marauders 

 are not so little known that the approach of mysterious strangers can be 

 regarded calmly. 



But the official greeting of the motley host is extended by the Black 

 Oyster-catcher, the self-constituted guardian of all sea-girt rocks. He 

 has had his eye upon us from the moment of launching, and when we are 

 within a hundred yards, mindful of his brooding mate or the secreted 

 babies, he flies straight out to meet us and quavers a boisterous welcome, 

 a welcome wherein anxiety is veiled by effusiveness. His effusiveness, 

 moreover, is not unmingled with sarcasm, as who should say, "Good 

 morning, gentlemen, good morning. Ah, you are officers of the law, I 

 perceive, and armed with a search warrant. Quite proper, quite proper! 

 Help yourselves, gentlemen. If I can be of any assistance to your worthy 

 cause, command me." 



And so the garrulous old marshal goes back shouting and chuckling. 

 Once out of sight behind the rock, he repeats hurried instructions to his 

 children to remain hidden in their crevices; then, ever mindful of appear- 

 ances, he hurries forward again, beaming with virtuous importance, and 

 vociferating shrilly, "No, gentlemen, there is nothing the matter. I have 

 been clear around the island and there isn't a thief in sight. But help 

 yourselves, gentlemen. Oh, yes, help yourselves. Doubtless you are 

 experts." 



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