My first stop this morning on Milwaukee’s lakefront was McKinley Beach. Guess there were at least 25 shorebirds. Mostly Sanderlings, a Least Sandpiper, and few Semipalmated Plovers. Also present were 2 Ruddy Turnstones which are always exciting birds. They feed in the more stony areas of the beach turning over items on the beach such as mussels getting food. They were flushed often by walkers with and without dogs but held still a few times for photos. It was a beautiful morning to be out with sunny skies and pleasant temps. Images were taken on September 3, 2017.
Ruddy Turnstone, juvenile on the move
Ruddy Turnstone
Binomial name: Arenaria interpres
Category: Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies
Size: 9.5” long, 21” wing span
Weight: 3.9 oz
Ruddy Turnstone feeding on a mussel…
Ruddy Turnstone in a mussel and always turning things over…
Ruddy Turnstone with something to eat
Feeding in the water too….
Ruddy Turnstone feeding on mussels
Feeding
Ruddy Turnstone, juvenile
In search of food…
Northern Shoveler, maybe adult female
Ruddy Turnstone, Breeding adult plumage for comparison to fall plumage, taken in spring 2017. Image for reference only
Wonderful pics. Thanks Jim
Fun birds! Thanks for sharing.
Your pictures are always treasures! My daughter has become a birder in CA – only one of the children to do so!
I hope it is O.K. if I send her some of your pics. She is also taking on this task with camera and good lenses and a telescope too! Hilary Ford