Documentation of Ruddy Turnstone
2025-041

Observer Information

Reporter:  Coen Dexter  1959 Golf Course Lane,   Cortez, CO  81321
E-mail:  coenbrenda@yahoo.com
Other Observers:  Brenda Wright and Tyler Lausten

Species, Date, Time and Location Information

Species:  Ruddy Turnstone
First Date/Time:  7/26/2025 9:30:00 AM
Last Date/Time:  7/26/2025 10:50:00 AM
Duration (total time in view):  Ten minutes then 20 more minutes an hour later
County:  Montezuma
Specific Location:  McPhee Reservoir
Number:  1
Age:  Adult
Sex:  Unknown
Plumage:  Transitional

Habitat

Reservoir mudflats

Viewing Conditions

Optics:  Swarovski binos and Swarovski scope
Distance:  50 feet to as far as 200 feet
Light:  All angles in full sun

Description of the Bird

Brenda Wright first found the bird feeding with other shorebirds. Adult, plumage was in a transitional state so likely a first year Ruddy Turnstone that was out of range. Medium size shorebird about the size of a Killdeer. Red orange legs, white underparts, dark brown bill, rufous brown back, dark area extending down chest and dark areas on the face on a whitish background. We were careful not to spook the bird so did not see the bird in flight.

Similar Species Discussion

No other species come to mind that looks like a Ruddy Turnstone. We are quite familar with all shorebird species in Colorado as well as those in the world list.

Previous Experience

We have seen this species many times on both the West and East Coast but only a few times in Colorado. There are only 6 total records in western Colorado and Brenda and I have seen 4 of them, two in Montezuma and two in Mesa.

Plovers are smaller and other similar sized shorebirds just don't have the head marks the Ruddy Turnstones have. 

Notes

Review of photos

Materials Available

Photographer: Brenda Wright, Brenda Wright

Photos |

16100_imgp0827.jpg
16100_imgp0829(2).jpg


Date Documentation Submitted

10/13/2025 10:21:00 AM
Click left or right edges of photos to move through all; click outside image to close

Location Map

The marker on the map shows an approximation of the location of this report. The marker is generated using a prioritized Logic base:
1) If the observer has entered coordinates, they will be shown.
2) No specific coordinates are available but the location is mappable.
3) A generic location with no specific coordinates is mapped to the center of the reported county.

Powered By Subgurim(http://googlemaps.subgurim.net).Google Maps ASP.NET