What am I?
A small wader on our shores, turnstones get their name from their habit of turning over rocks, shells and stones to forage for food.
Turnstone
Turnstone
Conservation Status: 🟠Amber
How to Identify Me
Most commonly spotted during the colder months when turnstones will have mottled black and brown plumage with bright orange legs. If you’re lucky to spot one in the summer, you’ll catch a glimpse of their striking black and chestnut chequered wings.
How Can You Help Me?
Make sure you give them lots of space when you see these birds on the shore, salt marsh and mudflats.
Turnstones tend to creep along the shore, delving into nooks and little crevasses foraging for food, so have your dog close by. If dogs charge through salt marsh and the shore they’ll disrupt critical turnstone feeding times.
Also ensure to keep your ears and eyes peeled for distress calls or birds becoming aware of your presence.