Wildlife

Wild Turnstone Welfare on Rocky Shores

Turnstones winter on rocky shores and harbours, with their welfare shaped by invertebrate availability beneath seaweed and rocks.

Key Facts

Turnstones flip stones and seaweed to find invertebrates beneath
They are remarkably bold and will approach humans on harbours
UK wintering populations include birds from Arctic Canada and Greenland
Disturbance causes energy expenditure at harbours where they concentrate
Harbour feeding opportunities include invertebrates exposed on boats and pier structures

Welfare Considerations

Turnstones repeatedly flushed from foraging rocks by dogs or people waste energy that is critical in cold weather. Their remarkable tameness around humans makes them particularly vulnerable to well-intentioned but disruptive close approach. Maintaining modest distances and keeping dogs away from known turnstone feeding areas protects their winter welfare.

What You Can Do

Maintain distance from turnstones at winter harbours and rocky shores
Keep dogs away from areas where turnstones feed
Report unusual numbers to local ornithological groups