Piping plovers and oystercatchers highlight trip to shore

Photo by Chris Bosak
A male piping plover (back) pursues a female at Milford Point in New England, April 16, 2026.

I took a trip to the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point today to see piping plovers, American oystercatchers, and whatever else may be around. I timed it nicely, as I found several piping plover pairs doing their mating ritual and even saw one pair copulating.

The male plovers followed the females around the rocks and sand, standing tall and performing a type of stomp dance with their feet and legs. It was quite entertaining.

While the plovers and oystercatchers were the highlight, there were dozens (hundreds maybe) of brant still hanging around New England.

Photo by Chris Bosak
A male piping plover (back) pursues a female at Milford Point in New England, April 16, 2026.
Photo by Chris Bosak
A male piping plover (back) pursues a female at Milford Point in New England, April 16, 2026.
Photo by Chris Bosak
Piping plovers copulate at Milford Point in New England, April 16, 2026.
Photo by Chris Bosak
Piping plovers copulate at Milford Point in New England, April 16, 2026.
Photo by Chris Bosak
Piping plovers copulate at Milford Point in New England, April 16, 2026.
Photo by Chris Bosak
American oystercatcher pair at Milford Point in New England, April 16, 2026.
Photo by Chris Bosak
Brant at Milford Point in New England, April 16, 2026.
Photo by Chris Bosak
A male piping plover (back) pursues a female at Milford Point in New England, April 16, 2026.

A few more oystercatcher photos

Photo by Chris Bosak American oystercatcher, Milford, Connecticut, summer 2025.

Following up on yesterday’s post, here are a few more American oystercatcher photos. I find both of these photos rather humorous. The top photo looks like an unhappy customer storming away from the counter. The bottom photo looks like an oystercatcher giving someone the evil eye.

Here’s the original post with more photos, including an oystercatcher chick.

Photo by Chris Bosak American oystercatcher, Milford, Connecticut, summer 2025.

Hard to beat an American oystercatcher sighting

Photo by Chris Bosak American oystercatcher, Milford, Connecticut, summer 2025.

They aren’t particularly rare, especially if you know where to look, but American oystercatchers are always a thrill to see. I saw these beauties during a short birdwalk at Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point the other day. One of the coolest looking birds in New England, if you ask me. Check out the youngster below.

More information about the American oystercatcher may be found here.

Photo by Chris Bosak American oystercatcher, Milford, Connecticut, summer 2025.
Photo by Chris Bosak American oystercatcher chick, Milford, Connecticut, summer 2025.