Oystercatchers, known for sharp bills and beady eyes, are making a comeback thanks to conservation
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United States Fish and Wildlife Service Shorebird Monitor Allison Ruhl carries an adult oystercatcher at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)Shorebird Crew Lead Mary Bertschi of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service tracks down a juvenile oystercatcher that took off running at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)United States Fish and Wildlife Service Shorebird Monitor Allison Ruhl carries an adult oystercatcher at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)Shorebird Crew Lead Mary Bertschi, right, places a chick oystercatcher into a pillowcase held by Wildlife Biologist Maureen Durkin at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. Placing the bird in a pillowcase helps to calm the bird. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)A juvenile oystercatcher is tagged by United States Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Biologist Maureen Durkin, left, as Shorebird Crew Lead Mary Bertschi holds the bird at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)Adult oystercatchers react after their offspring was taken by shorebird monitors at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)A juvenile oystercatcher is tagged by Wildlife Biologist Maureen Durkin, left, at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)Newly banded oystercatcher chicks are released at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)United States Fish and Wildlife Service crew walk along Moonstone beach after banding oystercatchers at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
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United States Fish and Wildlife Service Shorebird Monitor Allison Ruhl carries an adult oystercatcher at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, R.I., June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)