Shy Sanderling foraging on the beach

From Puddles to Plumage: A wet and wild day at the beach

As a wildlife photographer, I’ve always been drawn to the beauty and wonder of nature. So when I heard about the opportunity to photograph some Ruddy Turnstones, I knew I had to take it.

The weather on the day of the trip was far from ideal, with heavy rain and strong winds battering the coast. But I was determined to make the most of it and capture some incredible images.

As I arrived at the beach, I was struck by the sheer number of people and their dogs milling about. It was a popular spot for walkers, and I knew that the dogs could potentially cause problems for the birds I was hoping to photograph.

Despite the challenging conditions, I was determined to find the Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderlings that I had heard so much about. These birds are known for their striking appearance and unique behaviors, and I was excited to see them up close.

I set out along the beach, keeping a close eye out for any signs of the birds. As I walked, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the surrounding scenery. The crashing waves and the rugged coastline were amazing to see again.

Ruddy Turnstone foraging on the beach
Ruddy Turnstone foraging on the beach

Eventually, I spotted a group of Ruddy Turnstones in the distance. These birds are easily recognizable by their distinctive reddish-brown plumage and their habit of turning over stones in search of food.

I quickly made my way over to where they were foraging and began taking some shots. The light was quite low due to the weather, so I had to use a slower shutter speed and keep the aperture wide open to capture the birds in all their glory.

As I worked, I noticed that the Ruddy Turnstones seemed completely unafraid of me, even when I lay down on the sand to get a better angle on my shots. I was impressed by their resilience and tenacity, and I knew that I had captured some truly special images.

Ruddy Turnstone foraging on the beach
Ruddy Turnstone foraging on the beach

After a while, I decided to move on and search for the Sanderlings that I had come to see. These birds are known for their fast, frenetic movements and their graceful, balletic flight.

I was fascinated by their behavior as I watched them darting back and forth along the shoreline, searching for food. Their rapid movements made it difficult to get a clear shot, but I was determined to capture their beauty.

I followed them as they moved along the beach, taking shots whenever I had a chance. I even lay down behind some of the wooden groynes that lined the beach to get a different perspective on my shots.

Despite the challenging conditions, I was having a fantastic time. The rain and wind didn’t seem to bother me at all as I lost myself in these amazing little birds and the surroundings.

In the end, I came away from my trip to Rossall Beach with a wealth of incredible images. The Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderlings had been a joy to photograph, and I was grateful to have had the opportunity to capture their beauty and behavior.

As I made my way back to my car, I knew that this was a Saturday not wasted. The wet and windy weather had been a challenge, but it had only added to the thrill of the experience. I can’t wait to return to Rossall Beach and see what other wonders of nature it had to offer over the year.

Sanderling taking a rest from foraging
Sanderling taking a rest from foraging