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.

The great muddy conditions at Snettisham.

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27 comments:

  1. Bethany Carson22 September 2014 at 13:31

    Oh wow...walking through that mud would not be my idea of fun! He does have a good camouflage.

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  2. Sharon Wagner22 September 2014 at 16:02

    There are a lot of sounds I don't like. But I don't think a bird has ever made one.

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  3. EG CameraGirl22 September 2014 at 19:56

    Oh, lucky you that the turnstone wasn't shy. Very nice photos of it.

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  4. carol l mckenna22 September 2014 at 20:27

    More beautiful bird photography ~ you capture them so well for OWT!

    artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

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  5. Sallie (FullTime-Life)22 September 2014 at 21:02

    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.

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  6. Sallie (FullTime-Life)22 September 2014 at 21:02

    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.

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  7. eileeninmd22 September 2014 at 21:53

    Pretty shots of the Turnstone, great lighting.. Enjoy your week!

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  8. mick22 September 2014 at 22:12

    Great 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.

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  9. Jo23 September 2014 at 03:36

    Fantastic 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

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  10. Fun6023 September 2014 at 09:27

    Once again you have produced some excellent shots.

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  11. Arija23 September 2014 at 11:08

    Hope you were wearing your Wellies. Beautifully captured.

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  12. NCSue23 September 2014 at 12:53

    Great shots.
    I'm often envious of the images serious nature photographers capture. I find myself unable to slow down long enough to do as well.

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  13. Anonymous23 September 2014 at 13:21

    Very nice Bird, great shots. From mud to rocks interesting transition not only for a bird.

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  14. Karren Haller23 September 2014 at 15:14

    Nature is amazing to give camouflage to animals!!! Great photos! Please join e on #WW http://ohmyheartsiegirl.com/wordless-wednesday-25/karren

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  15. fredamans23 September 2014 at 16:52

    Nice bird!

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  16. Unknown23 September 2014 at 18:41

    Great shots of this beautiful bird!

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  17. sunshine23 September 2014 at 20:33

    Wonderful photos.

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  18. John @ Beans and I on the Loose23 September 2014 at 22:11

    That leg is packed with mud. Great photo. Thank you for visiting my Roseate Spoonbill.

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  19. TexWisGirl23 September 2014 at 23:05

    quite the slogging they must do for food.

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  20. Karen24 September 2014 at 03:35

    He's up to his "knees" in mud in the first shot. He's a handsome bird, and your photos are excellent!

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  21. Margaret Birding For Pleasure24 September 2014 at 06:59

    Love this little wader.

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  22. Hootin Anni24 September 2014 at 10:13

    Great images!!!

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  23. A Colorful World24 September 2014 at 17:36

    What 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! :-)

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  24. Rohrerbot24 September 2014 at 21:05

    I agree! The Turnstone is awesome! Ruddy or Black.....doesn't matter. I love those birds. Their coloring is very unique.

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  25. Anonymous25 September 2014 at 00:09

    Beautiful shots of the Turnstone.

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  26. Rambling Woods26 September 2014 at 02:02

    It 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

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  27. Our photos28 September 2014 at 06:21

    Very nice Bird, great shots!
    Greetings...

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