Ruddy Turnstone

He's pecking and turning each speck and each stone,
while the tide, too, is turning - won't leave him alone!
For a time he ignores it, until a big wave
attempts to submerge him (some will not behave!)
Then he flutters to safety; returns to wet rock;
Ruddy Turnstone will ride every fresh salty shock.

© Celia Warren 2017

This ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres) on Funchal's seafront is showing non-breeding plumage. The quality's poor as I had my camera on full-zoom auto-setting, but was quite pleased for a point-and-click blip!

Many thanks for the enthusiastic comments, stars and hearts for my yesterblip.