[obol] Nuptial Flights of Black Oystercatchers & Early Gulls

[Cindy Ashy]

Yesterday at Yaquina Head, I saw 2 pairs of Black Oystercatchers flying in wide
circles/ovals for extended periods of time calling loudly....it was a different
call than their normal flight calls and different from the calls they make when
defending territory...the pairs were taking turns at first and then both pairs
simultaneously. There were also a couple of single oystercatchers nearby who
were quite noisy during this "ceremony." I believe these were nuptial flights.
Recently, this same type of behavior was observed from the Whale Watching
Center in Depoe Bay.

I've also recently seen subtle signs of Western Gull courthship at Yaquina Head
and elsewhere around the Lincoln County coast (a few skyward beak jilts in the
general direction of another gull and some subtle posturing between pairs). I
think a few gulls are just beginning to pair up at Yaquina Head....and it seems
to me these are gulls staking out what I would consider the cream of the crop
nesting spots, in terms of nearby areas for the chicks to hide from predators
and get out of the elements...little ledge overhangs/nooks right next to wide
flat horizontal platforms for the nest, easier to defend areas in terms of
access and in terms of being able to scout for intruders/predators, some
protection from wind/rain, etc. This includes a spot that I've watched a pair
raise 3 chicks to fledglings for 2 years in a row (extremely good reproductive
success for gulls)....and what I would consider the very best nesting spot
visible from the tidepool observation deck.

Cindy Ashy


 
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