| It
gains its common name from its ability to feed on bivalves, but sand-worms
and other invertebrates are also eaten. It is an inhabitant of saline
wetlands, estuaries and sometimes the ocean beaches but like many larger
shorebirds are easily disturbed by human use of beaches. It nests on the
ground, usually close to the shore, sometimes on dry areas in shallow
marshes or among driftwood above the high tide line. Mud Islands, Swan
Island and Point Henry are some local breeding sites. Foxes are a major
predator of nesting birds, eggs and young. |
