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Turnstone in winter plumage, on the West Pier at St Ives, Cornwall; 21 Sept 2016.
The Turnstone is a small wader (aka shorebird) that derives its name from its habit of turning over stones on beaches in the hope of finding things to eat underneath.
Its usually a bird seen at a distance, small and brown on the foreshore. But at St Ives in Cornwall, especially when the tide is up, small groups dart about on this seaside resort’s promenade, often literally around the feet of holidaymakers.
And so, being on holiday and carefree(!), I bought a pasty as a second breakfast and sat on a seat munching the golden beast and staring out to sea, when several of these little birds swarmed around my feet. Well, I can take a hint, and as small pasty morsels were scattered around, these little creatures went into super-speed mode and downed the lot in an instant – for an ex-birder like me, almost a surreal moment!
There are more pictures of St Ives Turnstones here and here.
X-T1 with 55-200 Fujinon lens at 305mm (equiv); 800 ISO.
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Be still and the pictures will come to you is a good mantra for situations like this. Better still if you have breakfast to offer as a reward. Lovely portrait Adrian.
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Keeping still is the thing, I’ve always found that with birds. I’m glad you like this – thanks. Adrian
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So that’s what explains the satisfied look, eh?
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That’s right, eating pasties can have a powerful effect on a body! 🙂
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Nice shot!!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Ruddy good stuff, Adrian–but you’re going to spoil it with those pasties!
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Ruddy? Ah, ornithological humour raises its feathered head! 🙂
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We have to be sure that we leave no potential smilestone unturned.
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I don’t think you need have any worries on that score, my friend! 🙂
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Excellent photograph!
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Thank you!
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They know w a kind, generous birder when they see one. XXX ATP XXX
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Aw, you have great faith in me, my dear friend, what a good thing to say – thank you! Hope you’re hanging on in there, Gemma! ATP XXX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Oh Bless the little thingy.
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Definitely! 🙂
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Beautiful bird
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Oui, c’est ca – merci, Claire! 🙂
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Avec plaisir Adrian
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