southend pier & railway

The oystercatcher is a striking wading bird often seen along the mudflats and sandy areas around Southend Pier. It has bold black and white plumage, a long orange bill, and bright pink legs, making it easy to identify. Despite its name, oystercatchers rarely eat oysters. Instead, they use their strong, chisel-like bill to feed on mussels, cockles, and other shellfish. 

These birds are highly social and can often be seen in noisy groups, especially during winter when migratory populations join the resident birds. Their sharp "peeping" call is a common sound along the estuary. Oystercatchers are vital to the local ecosystem, helping to control shellfish populations. 

They are relatively easy to spot from the pier, especially at low tide when they forage along the exposed mudflats.