Ruddy Turnstone - Ross Feldner The Ruddy Turnstone's name is a perfect match for its appearance and feeding behavior. It literally turns over stones and debris in search of food on the beach and sports a lovely ruddy color on its wings. A striking bird that resembles a calico cat, this long-distance migrant breeds in the Arctic tundra and then spends its “off-seasons” on the coasts of North America. Fattening up is critical to these shorebirds in preparation for their long migration. Those that don’t get plump enough delay their flight and some don’t make it to the breeding or wintering grounds. Ruddy Turnstones spend a good deal of time navigating wet, slippery rocks. This would be dangerous except for their unique feet that have spiny, short, curved toenails that help them grip and hold on. Their short legs give them a low center of gravity that also helps keep them secure. | |
