February 5, 2024

I am known as a Ruddy Turnstone

For me, being fat is a good thing

My body is fueled by fat, not carbs

So I need fat to migrate north in the spring. 

Location: Titusville, FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruddy_Turnstone/overview

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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March 3, 2023

I am a Ruddy Turnstone

I limp because I'm missing one foot

Likely from fishing line entanglement

At least I'm not totally kaput.

Location: Sebastian Inlet State Park

Sources: https://www.savecoastalwildlife.org/managing-fishing-line-waste

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 28, 2022

We are known as Ruddy Turnstones

We migrate to the arctic to breed which is very hard work.

While we're in Florida we lose appendages to fishing line

Left on the ground by inconsiderate jerks.

Location: Jetty Park, Fort Pierce

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Arenaria_interpres/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 13, 2022

I am known as a Ruddy Turnstone

My legs and feathers contain shades of ochre

One thing I don't have is a horrible stench -

I am not a filthy, polluting, jerk smoker.

Location: Sebastian Inlet State Park

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruddy_Turnstone/id

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 11, 2021

I am known as a Ruddy Turnstone

I had to grow up and learn to fly fast - 

At around 3 weeks old, 

In a move brave and bold -

I flew thousands of miles to where the rest of the Turnstones amassed. 

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Joe Michael Memorial Trail

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruddy_Turnstone/overview

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 12, 2020

Location: Sebatian Inset State Park

I am a non-breeding Ruddy Turnstone
If I were breeding I would be more ruddy
When I see a girl I fancy, I do a little prancing,
Then we mate and become life-long buddies.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - Ruddy Turnstone

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 5, 2019

Location: Jetty Park, Fort Pierce

These are two Ruddy Turnstones
The top one is much younger
They flip the table over before they eat
If they were human, we would call them vulgar!

Sources: Ruddy Turnstone video by Mark Vance

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 27, 2019

Location: Melbourne, Ponce de Leon Landing

I am known as a Ruddy Turnstone
I live on rocky shores and beaches
Right now I am not considered threatened
But might be as my food source decreases.

Sources: American Bird Conservancy - Ruddy Turnstone

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 26, 2017

Location: Melbourne Beach, Sebastian Inlet state Park

We are Ruddy Turnstones,
We usually live up to our name.
But even with six of us trying real hard,
I don't think we'll turn this over. Dang!

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 28, 2017

Location: Sebastian, Sebastian Inlet State Park

I'm a Ruddy Turnstone,
My name is my favorite past time,
I turn over rocks, I'm not looking for Hydrox,
I eat bugs and critters that wash up in the brine.

Sources: (1) Cornell Lab - Ruddy Turnstone

(Disclaimer: Due to a minor hand issue I've not been able to use my camera so am posting some older pictures that I haven't included before on this blog.  I will resume my regular 8:00 am postings soon, but for now, please enjoy these blasts from the past.) 

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson