During the winter months, these medium-sized waders are a common sight along the shores of Hampshire, particularly in places like Langstone Harbour, the Solent, and along the Isle of Wight’s coast.

Despite weighing only around 100g, the turnstone is a remarkable migrant, traveling incredible distances during its seasonal migration. Originating from breeding grounds in northern regions such as Lapland, Greenland, and even as far as Canada, these waders make long, arduous journeys - sometimes covering up to 1,700 miles - to reach their wintering sites.

The UK serves as a crucial stopover on their migratory route, a pit stop to rest and refuel before continuing their journey further south to Africa. These passage migrants rely on the UK’s coastal habitats to sustain them during this critical phase of their migration. Although a migrant to the UK, it can also be seen all year-round as different populations arrive throughout the seasons.

The birds seek out the rocky shorelines, tidal mudflats, and sandy beaches where they feed primarily on small invertebrates, crustaceans, and mollusks, often flipping over small rocks and shells with their strong bills to uncover hidden prey.

The turnstones striking plumage changes with the seasons. In summer, their feathers are rich with orange, black, and white tones, making them particularly noticeable against the backdrop of coastal scenery. In winter, their plumage becomes more muted, offering them better camouflage among the pebbles and rocks they scavenge.

They are widely recognised by different names across countries due to their unique habits and widespread distribution. In addition to turnstone, it is also sometimes called the ‘sea quail’ in coastal communities, referencing its stout build and patterned plumage. In North America, there is also a second species, the 'black turnstone', which lives on the Pacific coast.

Their long-distance migration is a testament to the turnstone's resilience and adaptability. The birds offer a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and the importance of preserving coastal habitats for migratory species.

Conservation efforts are essential to protecting their habitats and ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy the sight of these fascinating birds in the wild.