I’m not sure why I find shorebirds and sandpipers especially appealing. It may be the way some of them run in and out avoiding the waves. It may be the way others run their bills in and out of the sand or mud like they are sewing a seam. It may be the delicate legs on the generally puffy bodies. For one kind, it’s the colours, especially the vivid orange legs. Its name — Ruddy Turnstone — also makes me smile. The “ruddy” refers to the rusty red colouring but to me it sounds like the euphenism for “bloody.” I mentally hear someone complaining that they are looking at “yet another “ruddy” turnstone”. What can I say, I find humour everywhere.
What Is This Sandpiper Shorebird With the Orange Legs and Black Bib?
Like many beach birds, Ruddy Turnstones’ plumage changes through the year. These photos were taken in early August in Nova Scotia.The birds are still partly in their spring breeding plumage.
Turnstones nest in the arctic. They are migrating when they visit the coasts of Nova Scotia.
Strangely enough, I didn’t see these Turnstones flipping much over.
They often stopped and dug down into the silt to get food.
I hope I get to see another Turnstone some summer soon.
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