Turnstones. A return to Titchfield Haven

I had been waiting for ages for decent weather to revisit this beautiful nature reserve on the south coast which had half a chapter to itself in Animal Wild. Unfortunately most of it turned out to be closed for maintenance. Either I had checked an outdate version of the website or I hadn’t looked at it closely enough. The guy at the visitor centre was so nice and helpful however, that I couldn’t remain peeved for long. He advised me that it was worth taking a look at the little harbour beach right across the road and to my delight there were a dozen or so (Ruddy) Turnstones doing exactly what their name suggests. I had not seen this bird in the UK before. This rear view probably gives the best image of their remarkable colourings. They are very well camouflaged against their environment.

There were also Black-Headed Gulls in various stages of life and therefore plumage. Here are what I take to be a very young juvenile and another individual in a transitional stage.

Also this Cygnet, doing the serene thing swans do.