Ruddy turnstones like to walk along the surf’s edge, flipping over rocks and shells looking for dinner. I’m not sure what they find appetizing under there, but I wouldn’t want to eat it. The ruddy turnstone is currently classified with sandpipers, but in the past it was placed in the plover family. I guess ornithologists need something to argue about. Turnstones do seem to share some outward characteristics with both families.
Although they are pretty common, I don’t see these birds very often. Having spent little time along the coasts, I have a fairly large gap in my life list. I’ve come across them in various states from New York to Florida, but have observed these handsome birds in peak summer plumage only a handful of times. I chose to paint this one in its drab winter plumage since that is what I know best. At some point I’ll have to paint one in its “full glory.”
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