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. 22i (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 hre 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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