This summer, Ava Gardner had the opportunity to work for the Monterey Audubon Society, participating in a dream internship. She had the unique opportunity to apply her knowledge of data analysis to support to the Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Project. She applied her skills in data organization and visualization while gaining unique insight into the impacts humans have on the lives and futures of shorebirds.

During Summer 2026 at Monterey Peninsula College, Braulio Beltran participated in the Black Oystercatcher Monitoring Project with Monterey Audubon Society. His experience influenced his perspective on bird wildlife.

Black Oystercatchers are excellent indicator species of the rocky shoreline habitat. One thing that makes them a valuable indicator species is that they do not go across any other habitats. They nest on rocky shores, are territorial, and easy to spot (and hear) from shore. Join us to monitor these unique birds.

Susan Lambert's endearing photograph of a Black Oystercatcher and chick won our photo contest for the cover of "The Sanderling", our annual report. Recently Point Lobos Docent Yvonne Wright wrote an article for fellow docents in the Point Lobos Docent Newsletter. It seemed appropriate to folllow the photograph with an article. Excerpted and adapted below: Look at that bird hammering on the rocks with its bright orange-red bill. If you look closely, you’ll notice its eyes