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Our latest visit to British Columbia gave us the opportunity to check off many different species of birds, ducks and shore birds.
The Black Turnstone was spotted on a rainy day while visiting Whiffin Spit. This was the same day we saw the Whiffin Spit Christmas tree. If you missed the post about that you can view it here.
This species loves the rocky Pacific coast. It’s a medium sized, short legged shore bird about 20-25 cm long.
I love all the barnacles on the rocks in this photo. This bird will peck inside the barnacles to find food.
The black turnstone is a native of the west coast and breeds only in Alaska and as per its name it can be found turing stones to hunt for food.
It feeds on barnacles, mollusks, crustaceans and insects. We spotted a pair of them digging in the shore on the Pacific side of Whiffin Spit.
Colouring in winter is brown with a white belly. The wings have a lovely pattern on them. We did see them in flight but I wasn’t able to capture a photo of them. It was a very rainy day and I didn’t want the camera exposed to the rain much.
When I wasn’t using the camera I had it tucked inside a plastic bag. I also had a large umbrella to protect me. But it was really hard trying to take photos and hold an umbrella.
I’m sharing with Wild Bird Wednesday, I’d Rather B Birdin’ and Saturday’s Critters.
Have a look at some of the other BC birds we have spotted.
Eileen
Hello, The Black Turnstones are pretty birds. Awesome series of photos. Sounds like you were in a great spot for birding and scenery. Thank you so much for linking up your post. I appreciate your visit and comment too. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend.
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
We see so many different species on the west coast than we do here by the Great Lakes. Have a good weekend.
Daniel LaFrance
Such a great variety of birds on the coast. Beautiful pics, Linda!
Daniel LaFrance
I should add, that you are escaping our cold snap of -24 today.
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
We got home last Tuesday when it was mild and rainy. Unfortunately we are here for this cold spell, but it could of been worse we could of been here when you had the frigid temperatures a week or so ago. We are having our second Christmas with our Ontario family so the kitchen is warm from the oven and smells delicious from the turkey cooking. Stay warm this weekend.
Jennifer Jilks
Shores! Open water! Weee!
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
Love being by the ocean ?
Lea @ Lea's Menagerie
Handsome birds! Great photos!
Lavender Dreamer
I’ve missed you my friend! You took some great photos despite the weather! What a beautiful spot to photograph them. Hugs!
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
Thanks Diane, it is great to be back. I’m still sorting through all my photos, and will be for ages. ??
Kim
Such pretty birds! I’m not familiar with them at all, so it’s a delight to read your post and see the photos. I get to learn something new! Enjoy your second Christmas — I think your area missed all the snow, but after bare ground yesterday, we have at least a foot of the white stuff, probably more, to contend with. I think I’d rather take my chances of an earthquake on the west coast, sans snow. LOL.
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
We got some snow, but at least it is sunny today. Have a good weekend.
linda
Love birdwatching!!
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Jean
Wonderful photos, also enjoyed following your link and reading about the Christmas tree, such a fun idea! I’m afraid if I were holding an umbrella and using a camera, I’d drop one and I doubt it would be the umbrella!
Margy
You did good despite the rain challenges. I get to go home tomorrow. Can’t wait. We’ve been away for a month over the holidays. Glad you had a good trip to visit family in our part of the world. – Margy
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
When we were in Comox I saw the sign to Powell River, and gave you a wave, even though you weren’t there. Perhaps one day in the nicer weather when we are there we’ll be able to take the ferry over to see you. It is always nice to get home even though we love going away.
Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin'
I’ve not seen this particular bird. Excellent images. I skso enjoyed your commentary.
I want to thank you for showing us at I’d Rather B Birdin’ your weekend photos!! Your paticipation is always greatly appreciated.
Breathtaking
Hello!:) Super captures of the Turnstones. It’s the first time I have seen “Black” Turnstones. I’m glad you were able to get such great images in spite of the bad weather.
Margie
Nice bird shots, Linda! This is the first time that I’ve seen Black Turnstones.
Marie-OR
Such pretty birds!
Lorrie
Great shots of some west coast birds!
Angie
I also like the shot with the barnacles – it helps me gauge the size of the bird!