ONLY A FEW ANNUALLY NEST ON PEA ISLAND REFUGE. The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) has striking brightly colored eyes and bill. They feed mostly on shellfish, crabs, starfish & worms. Recently spotted locally, only a few Oystercatchers annually nest on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. To protect nests and habitat please be respectful of dune and beach closure locations. These areas help give Oystercatchers and other bird and wildlife species an opportunity to breed and live on.