What bird is this?

[Jemisa]

Has anyone been to the end of the pier at Southend lately? we went Sunday aft'n it was v/braising/ What we did notice were colonies of birds living side by side with the seagulls but we'd not seen any like it before, very tame didn't take any notice of lots of people. They were about as big as a blackbird dk grey plumage with a white underbelly, yellow beak of normal size & seemed to run everywhere. Any idea's?

Jem

[Gizmonster]

Try the RSPB bird identifier:

http://www.rspb.org.u...dlife/birdidentifier/

I've had a quick look, but seeing as you saw it with your own eyes, it'll be easier if you have a look :)

[Gizmonster]

A "little tern" maybe:

http://www.rspb.org.u...littletern/index.aspx

[cupid04]

could be turnstones. [sorry dont know how to do link]

[Jonathan-Joe]

Ruddy Turnstones in the news http://www.echo-news....elay___3m_pier_plans/

[ethandron]

here's a link to the rspb sightings in the area, scroll down a bit for southend pier:
http://www.southendrspb.co.uk/sightings.htm

[seadogg]

Running everywhere could suggest sanderlings perhaps.

[daffy654]

I am PMSL at the caption under the picture on the link that Jonathan-Joe posted.

«Group tug»

:p

[seadogg]

http://www.rspb.org.u...sanderling/index.aspx

[Jemisa]

http://www.southendrs.../rarities/fav2004.htm


Got the info from your link ethanron, Thanks
I'll be able to sleep now. :o} Jem Media URL: http://www.southendrspb.co.uk/rarities/fav2004.htm
Description:

[Jemisa]

Sorry, Thankyou too to everyone else who tried to help.

Its called a 'Turnstone' I'd never seen or heard of them before.

jem

[cupid04]

Hello Jemisa, have you ever been down Leigh cockle sheds and watched
them. They literally turn over stones etc looking for food.
My favourite at the moment is the brent geese. You can see them in their
hundreds. I just love the noise.

[ethandron]

jem, glad you managed to identify it :)

[Jemisa]

No cupid, Went there in the summer for my usual 'Cockle Tea' & a glass of cider, but didn't notice the birds but certainly will on next visit when it gets a bit warmer. ThanQ

jem

[rowanwitch]

Ruddy Turnstones
http://www.dailymail....ds-Southend-Pier.html they will be much prettier when they get their summer plumage