Resting Ruddy Turnstone

Adult male Ruddy Turnstone resting on sand – Nikon D200, handheld, f9, 1/500, ISO 160, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 300mm, natural light

There are times that I like to go back in time by looking at photos I have taken on a specific date throughout the years. Twelve years ago today I was on the beach at Fort De Soto County Park focused on photographing a male Ruddy Turnstone resting on the warm sand with the Gulf behind him.

I had photographed other birds that morning including American Oystercatchers, Great Blue Herons, White Ibis, Red-winged Blackbirds and a dancing Reddish Egret but my absolute highlight of that morning was this turnstone. Why? Because he looked wonderful on the sand with the beautiful color of the Gulf behind him plus he was in his finest breeding plumage.

Shorebirds were what got me into bird photography and I still love to have them in my viewfinder. I do miss photographing the birds I found in Florida and there are times I wish that I could photograph shorebirds more often than I do here in northern Utah.

Some Ruddy Turnstones do migrate through Utah during spring migration and it isn’t unusual to read about them being seen on the shoreline of the Great Salt Lake. I just haven’t been fortunate enough to have one in my viewfinder since I moved here. I also probably wouldn’t be able to get as close to a turnstone here as I was able to get to this bird. The day I photographed him I was using an entry level 70-300mm lens which doesn’t have as much reach as the gear I use now.

Maybe I will find a Ruddy Turnstone migrating through Utah one day or I might have to go the Atlantic, Pacific or Gulf Coasts to see one again. I will always have the memories and images of this turnstone though.

Today’s date is rather special to me. Today is the date my mother was born. Happy Birthday Mom! I love you, today and always.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Ruddy Turnstone photos plus facts and information about this species.