Ruddy Turnstone

Ruddy Turnstones are another common coastal shorebird that migrate over Minnesota to the High Arctic. Like the Sanderling in the last post, these photos were taken in Florida a couple of years ago. Even in their relatively dull basic plumage, turnstones are striking when they fly. Note the turnstone's slightly upturned bill--evident in the lower photo. Turnstones flip pebbles and other beach detritus in search of just about anything edible--invertebrates, small fish, human garbage, and even other birds' eggs (Nettleship 2000).