Bird of the Month for January is the Ruddy Turnstone. Below is Ben Kolstad’s article from the January KITE.

Bird of the Month for January: Ruddy Turnstone

Kicking off this year’s “shorebird series” of birds of the month is a strikingly patterned shorebird that is a regular and common wintering species here in Palm Beach County: Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres). One of the most widespread and common wintering shorebird species worldwide, RUTU prefers rocky coasts and shorelines where it can put to good use the foraging habit that gives it its common name: turning stones over with its bill. This habit, combined with its unusual shape, make it recognizable from a fair distance. Pete Dunne, in his Essential Field Guide Companion, describes its appearance thus: “The body is pointy and ovate, shaped somewhat like a croissant. The head appears too small for the body; the bill is short, pointy, and seems very slightly upturned; and the bright orange legs are stumpy, comically short.” The short legs are presumably responsible for its characteristic “waddling” gait.

Like several other shorebirds, it has a striking plumage pattern in flight, with bold outlines everywhere: a thick white stripe down the middle of the back and white stripes outlining the wings make it quite an eyeful, even in winter plumage. Dunne again: Its flight is “strong and direct, with stiff hurried wingbeats. Not particularly nimble, ruddy turnstone seems to require a braking effort or premeditated care when landing.” This bird can be seen almost anywhere on our beaches or along the shores and docks of the Lake Worth Lagoon. There are records in every season, but it is least commonly found in summer.

Come to our January meeting to hear more about this bird.

(Photographer’s please note that next month’s February 2016 Bird will be the Sanderling)