A Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) forages along the edge of a sandy beach, its distinctive black-and-white plumage contrasting against the soft tones of the shoreline and rolling surf. With its bright orange-red bill and vivid yellow eye-ring, the bird stands out as it searches the wet sand for shellfish, worms and other small marine invertebrates exposed by the retreating waves. Reflections shimmer beneath its feet in the shallow water, while another oystercatcher enters the frame, hinting at the social nature of these coastal birds. The image captures a quiet moment in the daily rhythm of life along Australia's coastline, where feeding opportunities are closely linked to the movement of the tides.

Pied Oystercatchers are commonly found along Western Australia's beaches, estuaries and coastal wetlands, including sections of the Wheatbelt coastline where they occupy sandy shores and sheltered bays. These birds play an important role in coastal ecosystems and are often considered indicators of healthy beach habitats.