If you know us, you know we love nature. We will stare at "Jordie Wasps" for an hour as they burrow into sand to lay their eggs (actually they really are very entertaining to watch - they dig the hole, stick their rear end in to lay, then spend five minutes sweeping the area with their legs to cover their tracks - it's very cool). We will painstakingly pour over our birdwatching book to identify a species of parrot or wattle bird.
Well the Ruddy Turnstones are our favourite. Affectionately called The Siberians (by us), these tiny birds run along the water's edge on SA's beaches, digging their pointy little beaks into the sand to pick out little morsels of food. They run very quickly and are delightful to observe. Unlike clunky seagulls, albatrosses and pelicans, these guys look morel ike they belong in shrubs picking for insects, with their delicate features and quick movements.
The turnstones actually migrate from Siberia to South Australia every year to breed - a remarkable feat given their tiny size. They are monogomous and keep their brood closeby. We first spotted them some time ago and have kept an eye out ever since. Luckily, we were able to observe an entire family at Inneston, as they foraged in the inland tidal lake.
"The Siberians are back!"
(click on the photo to see a larger version)
sweet little things hey, you'll have to try for a close up of a jordie wasp, would love to see it :)
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