Ruddy Turnstones are a joy to behold
We’re on an early morning dog walk along Taftend when we notice there are small flocks of birds on the tideline moving in and out of the tangled seaweed. I approach gently and lie down on the wet sand. I have a waterproof coat on (of course I do, I’m outdoors in Orkney) but my trousers are soon soaking.
There are Ruddy Turnstones, Arenaria interpres, in amongst the Sanderling and I decide to focus on them.
They have such gorgeous mottled plumage, with reddish, white and black feathers on their backs, that they disappear amongst the seaweed. They also have very kind looking faces.
In autumn and winter I see Ruddy Turnstones march like clockwork along the breakwater in Brixham in South Devon in all their winter finery and they feel confident enough to walk close and fly only if you about to step on them. Here they are more wary and lift their heads to check what I’m doing.
I’ve opened up the aperture on the lens to blur the background beautifully. Lying down has meant I’ve increased the distance from the bird to their background which also means more beautiful blur.
It also means very, very wet trousers.
I’m going to order waterproof ones right now. Ruddy Turnstones.
More Ruddy Turnstones
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