Ruddy Turnstone at Grant Park Beach 5/16

A single Ruddy Turnstone, in full breeding plumage, showed up at the Grant Park Beach this morning. Actually it was on the sandbar area between the yacht club and the Grant Beach. It was just hanging out with the 75 or so Caspian Terns and handful of gulls. It didn’t do much while I was there, walked up and down the beach a few times and ran up into the sand to preen. At one point all of the terns and gulls spooked from something and flew up, out over the water. The turnstone stood up high on it’s feet and looked around, then squatted down and continued looking up. I thought it would take off but didn’t, and continued walking along the waters edge. I love seeing these birds in spring, always a treat! Pictures below are from the morning. Enjoy!