The comical American Oystercatcher is a common sight all year long along the eastern seaboard from New Jersey to Mexico. During the summer they even nest along Long Island Sound.

To the best of my knowledge, American Oystercatchers only breed in Maine on Stratton Island a few miles off Old Orchard Beach.

During the summer Ingrid and I will occasionally see an Oystercatcher browsing the water’s edge at a beach or mudflat. Their carrot nose (I mean bill) always makes us laugh.

Today I got one at Ferry Beach in Scarborough . . . a good six miles from Stratton Island.