Turnstone
Arenaria interpres
Overview
The Turnstone is aptly named — it methodically flips stones, shells, seaweed and any other beach debris to find invertebrates underneath. In summer plumage, striking tortoiseshell patterning in orange, black and white. In winter, more subdued. They work along the strandline in small flocks, constantly busy. The rock jetties at Southport and strandline seaweed at Formby and Ainsdale are reliable spots. A familiar, approachable little wader.
At a Glance
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Habitat | Rocky shore · Strandline · Sandy beach · Rock jetty |
| Diet | Invertebrates found under stones, seaweed and debris — turns over objects with its bill |
| UK population | Winter only; around 48,000 wintering birds. Red-listed due to global decline. |
| Sefton Coast | Regular year-round on the coast, particularly around rock structures and strandline seaweed |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Rocky areas and strandline at Ainsdale and Formby beaches. Rock jetties at Southport pier. Rummages in seaweed.
Identification
Short-legged, robust wader. Summer: vivid tortoiseshell orange-black-white pattern. Winter: dark brown and white with black breast. Orange legs. Upturned bill. Active, constantly flipping objects.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Walk the strandline at Formby in any season. Small groups work along the seaweed. They're surprisingly tame and approachable if you move slowly.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring this species on the Sefton Coast contributes to national population tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Turnstones ever breed in the UK?
No. Turnstones breed in Arctic Scandinavia, Greenland and northern Canada. The birds seen on the Sefton Coast year-round are non-breeding birds — either winter visitors from the Arctic or birds too young to breed that remain on UK coasts throughout the summer. They have one of the longest migrations of any wader.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.