It can take 10 or 11 years

For the first time, after years of watching them, I saw an oystercatcher actually eating an oyster. It worked hard prising one off from the mass, then walking it back to a rock to stand on it and prise open the shell.

Thought this to be an opener for a story shared by Jo that shows we aren't behind schedule on being able to produce a chick or two. Everything I've heard from a number of other areas that were welcoming back oystercatchers into areas that had been deserted for some time suggests it takes 10 years to get it all together and hatch a chick or two. It is a good news story for a beach similar to ours with a camping area, where campers were helping with protection.

Endangered bird hatches at Congo for first time in 10 years

13 December 2016

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/news/endangered-bird-hatches-at-congo-for-first-time-in-10-years