Turnstones are hardy Arctic-breeding waders that winter on rocky shores and piers. Their welfare despite apparent robustness faces specific threats from disturbance and habitat change.
Turnstone welfare in winter hinges on access to reliable foraging patches. Their apparently fearless behaviour around humans masks real welfare costs from chronic low-level disturbance. Research shows harbour turnstones with high human exposure have elevated stress hormone levels despite apparently calm behaviour. Lead paint contamination on old sea infrastructure represents a specific, underrecognised welfare risk. Maintaining roosting and feeding access on key piers and rocky shore sections benefits these remarkable little birds.