A beautifully hand carved and painted example of an Oystercatcher.
Oystercatchers are waders; they are large obvious and noisy birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.
They can be found on coasts worldwide. Their eggs are laid in a shallow scrape on shingle. Oystercatcher eggs are grey and speckled, providing camouflage against the grey rock background. They are pointed at one end. Contrary to popular belief, the purpose of this is not to provide space for the chick's long beaks (their long beaks develop after hatching). The pointed shape is thought to prevent the eggs from rolling down a steep slope.
Size: 28cm high (11”)
