Returning from a holiday in Cornwall, a representative from the Lancashire Wildlife Trust found himself captivated by the region's mild weather and vibrant wildlife, sharing his experiences with his Lakeland Terrier, Ted.
A Coastal Adventure in the South West
The trip featured clifftop walks and pebbly beach explorations. One of the most striking observations was a huge gathering, or 'murder', of around 40 to 50 crows massing in the trees above Beer beach. However, the most memorable wildlife moment occurred in the coastal town of Sidmouth.
An Encounter with Turnstones
It was here that the writer came upon a flock of turnstones. These medium-sized wading birds, part of the sandpiper family, were initially tricky to identify due to their duller winter plumage. Unlike their striking chestnut-and-black summer feathers, their winter attire is a more subdued dark brown with a black pattern on the face and breast.
The birds allowed a close approach as they drank and preened on the rocks by the promenade. This was a special treat, as the writer usually only spots them from a distance along the rocky parts of the Lancashire coast.
The Life of a Travelling Bird
Turnstones do not breed in the UK but can be seen throughout the year due to migration patterns. The flock spotted was likely composed of birds from Canada and Greenland, which arrive in early autumn and depart in early summer. Their name comes from their distinctive feeding habit of flipping over stones to find food.
Their diet is remarkably varied and includes:
- Bird eggs
- Corpses of dead animals
- Even leftover fish and chips before gulls can snatch them
This time of year is excellent for birdwatching along the North West coast. As the tide rolls in, bringing a wealth of food, you can spot oystercatchers, various sandpipers, and different types of gulls, some of which are rare visitors blown in on Atlantic winds.
So, next time you're by the sea, keep an eye out for these resourceful and wonderfully pretty birds flipping stones, not just in winter, but throughout the year.