Oystercatcher Chicks Make Their Maiden Voyage to the Shoreline

It started out as a "work morning" as several stewards added signs to the postings in anticipation of a very busy holiday weekend.

While posting on the ocean side of the inlet we watched skimmers sitting on their nests.

And then when we arrived at the other side of the posting we saw 

our oystercatcher family heading for the shoreline with their new chicks.

Although there are endless perfect captions to write for these priceless 

first family portraits we'll let your imaginations make these pictures come alive. 

Somehow we just know they are "talking" to each other.

It was added joy to see the chicks get their first "taste" of the water.

Since the temperature was in the high 80s the chicks took refuge 

under their parent for awhile before heading back to the dunes.

AND THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. 

There are many more moments of discovery ahead for stewards and visitors to the beach 

as more birds nest and raise their chicks on Masonboro Inlet. 

Time to get out there and see it all ....

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL.