Oystercatcher

Oystercatcher

Haematopus ostralegus

(Photo from the Internet)

It was the call in flight that first drew Ali's attention, a loud peep-ing call. Heard above the college over the last few days but dismissed as unlikely, the bird, thought to be the owner of this call, was confirmed this morning as it landed on the sports field for just a few minutes, an Oystercatcher! A black and white wading bird with a distinctive orange-red bill, it is usually found on tidal estuaries but, according to The Wildlife Trust, " have moved further inland over the last 50 years to breed on waterways and lakes". This sighting is the 50th different bird species spotted in the college grounds since the recording began in 2009.