Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpres

The *Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)* is a widespread migratory shorebird. It gets its common name since it often turns over small stones as it forages along tide lines or beaches. The species breeds in northern latitudes and winters over a wide area, often south of the equator. The first two shots on this page show a Ruddy Turnstone in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador in July, 2007. This bird is still mostly in breeding plumage and probably just recently arrived at this location. These two shots were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 L IS lens.

The Ruddy Turnstone in winter plumage shown here was on the jetty at Quintana, Brazoria Co., Texas, in December, 2007. This shot was taken with a Canon EOS 40D and EF 500mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender.
The next 3 shots of Ruddy Turnstone in breeding plumage were taken at Boca Chica, Cameron Co., Texas, in April, 2009, with a Canon EOS 50D and an EF 800mm F/5.6 L IS lens.


The breeding plumaged Ruddy Turnstone shown here was on South Padre Island, Cameron Co., Texas, in May, 2010. This image was taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and an EF 800mm F/5.6 L IS lens.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Texas Point, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co., Texas 20 May 2013