Oystercatcher
Heracleum sphondylium

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio     Oystercatcher photographed at Ferrybridge

This is one of the few waders that stay to breed in this area, with pairs at Lodmoor, on Chesil Beach and on the breakwaters around Portland Harbour. Small flocks of them frequently feed on the shore of the harbour and can be seen from the Downclose embankment, especially at low tide when the reefs are exposed off Sandsfoot Castle. They eat a wide range of food but specialise in mussels which they prise open with great skill.