For the past several weeks a beautiful mixed flock of shorebirds has been stationed along our shores, foraging and fattening up for the next leg of their journey. The flock includes one gorgeous long-legged Willet, two teetering Spotted Sandpipers, half a dozen chunky Ruddy Turnstones, a dozen or so skittish Black-bellied Plovers, and dozens and dozens of sociable Semi-palmated Plovers, Semi-palmated Sandpipers, and Sanderlings.
Today’s feature is the Ruddy Turnstone, which I wrote a bit about here: RUDDY TURNSTONE.
It was later in the season when the photo in that post was shared and that bird had lost much of its breeding plumage.
The flock that is here now is still vibrantly colored in its feathered pattern of rust, white, and black–just like a calico cat. Notice its bright orange legs and chunky little shape. They run in and out of the surf vigorously pulling at seaweed mostly looking for tiny invertebrates.
A pair shared a crabmeat breakfast, scavenged from between the rocks.
If you are seeing Ruddy Turnstones, please write and let me know. Thank you!
Good Morning Gloucester 
I’ve grown such an appreciation for our shorebirds, I’m so fortunate to be in Gloucester surrounded by like minded people.
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At Long Beach next week, will have to check out Saratoga Creek!
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