The Pied Oystercatcher is a stocky, handsome medium sized wader. It's clearly delineated black and white plumage plus its sturdy red legs and straight bill make it easy to recognise. It wedges bivalves in wet sand and uses it powerful chisel-ended beak to prise them open. Widespread in suitable coastal areas around Australia inc. Tasmania.

I strive to capture not only a good physical likeness but also something of the character of the bird by observing a typical pose and head position.

One of my favourite birds and a pleasure to paint. I have been painting Australian birds for several decades and have found that our familiar birds such as the Magpies and Oystercatchers are he most popular with my clients.