This bird was very confiding and not in the least bit concerned by my presence. I'm not sure who stumbled on who first. Cracking little bird.
The great muddy conditions at Snettisham.
Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you
Monday, 22 September 2014
Turnstone - RSPB Snettisham Beach
I do like the Turnstone. In breeding plumage it's a really striking little wading bird. As its name suggests it does quite literally turn stones over with it's bill. If you are ever fortunate enough to be around them when the sea is out and there is little other noise the sound of the stone being turned or flipped is sure to put a smile on your face. It did mine at Snettisham beach last week. I was watching some Ringed Plover close by and suddenly I could hear this constant tapping of shingle. It took me a few seconds to hone my ears in the direction that it was coming from because just a few meters in front of me had sneaked this little guy. I almost missed him as he was so well camouflaged amongst the stones on the beach, but the sound gave it away.
This bird was very confiding and not in the least bit concerned by my presence. I'm not sure who stumbled on who first. Cracking little bird.
This bird was very confiding and not in the least bit concerned by my presence. I'm not sure who stumbled on who first. Cracking little bird.
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Oh wow...walking through that mud would not be my idea of fun! He does have a good camouflage.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of sounds I don't like. But I don't think a bird has ever made one.
ReplyDeleteOh, lucky you that the turnstone wasn't shy. Very nice photos of it.
ReplyDeleteMore beautiful bird photography ~ you capture them so well for OWT!
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Great pictures ... I saw that behavior for the first time a couple years ago in Florida and was enthralled. I think mine was called the ruddy turnstone, but ... just amazing to see.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures ... I saw that behavior for the first time a couple years ago in Florida and was enthralled. I think mine was called the ruddy turnstone, but ... just amazing to see.
ReplyDeletePretty shots of the Turnstone, great lighting.. Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Turnstone and you are lucky to be able to get that close to one. They are much more shy out here and since there are no stones out on our sand flats they chase after the little crabs and eat them.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos of the Turnstone. I checked in my Birds of Africa, South of the Sahara and we have a similar wader called a Ruddy Turnstone. It occurs all around Africa (except the north) on the coast. So we don't see it here inland. Thanks for sharing! Greetings, Jo
ReplyDeleteOnce again you have produced some excellent shots.
ReplyDeleteHope you were wearing your Wellies. Beautifully captured.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots.
ReplyDeleteI'm often envious of the images serious nature photographers capture. I find myself unable to slow down long enough to do as well.
Very nice Bird, great shots. From mud to rocks interesting transition not only for a bird.
ReplyDeleteNature is amazing to give camouflage to animals!!! Great photos! Please join e on #WW http://ohmyheartsiegirl.com/wordless-wednesday-25/karren
ReplyDeleteNice bird!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of this beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteThat leg is packed with mud. Great photo. Thank you for visiting my Roseate Spoonbill.
ReplyDeletequite the slogging they must do for food.
ReplyDeleteHe's up to his "knees" in mud in the first shot. He's a handsome bird, and your photos are excellent!
ReplyDeleteLove this little wader.
ReplyDeleteGreat images!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful little bird. It's great that he turns the stones over like that. Nice shots! That's a lot of mud on his legs! :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree! The Turnstone is awesome! Ruddy or Black.....doesn't matter. I love those birds. Their coloring is very unique.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of the Turnstone.
ReplyDeleteIt turns stone over? That is so neat. I love to learn about different kinds of birds and their behaviors. Wonderful photos too. Thank you for linking in Adam.....Michelle
ReplyDeleteVery nice Bird, great shots!
ReplyDeleteGreetings...