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Above and below two: An American Oystercatcher at the Ocean City Inlet, Maryland (12/9/2005).
Comments: This large and interesting shorebird is a year-round resident on the Atlantic Coast from the Gulf of Mexico to Maryland, and in the west, from southern California to the Pacific Coast of Mexico. During the breeding season, its range expands into the Northeast. It uses its chisel-like bill to pry and hammer open the shells of oysters and other bivalves, starfish, sea urchins, and other marine invertebrates. Top three photos taken at the Ocean City Inlet, Worcester Co., Maryland (12/10/2005). Bottom two photos taken on the Assateague Island ORV zone (8/2004 and 6/5/2005, respectively).