Ruddy Turnstone portraits

After the shock of getting so close to Ruddy Turnstones I decided to try some portrait photography. Here’s my first approach:

Turnstone at Brixham - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

They are quite used to humans and come close expecting food.

Turnstone at Brixham - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

They potter around the rocks on Brixham breakwater, pecking at anything which looks like a possible food item.

A chap tells me they’ve been known to eat vomit and to peck a dead body. I’m not sure I want to know how he knows.

They look lovely in this light.

Turnstone at Brixham - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

And get even more beautiful when I go for the classic head and shoulders shot.

Turnstone at Brixham - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Changing the backdrop, switching sides and different light change the effect entirely.

Turnstone at Brixham - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

What charming characters they are. They haven’t pecked me yet.

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