This is one of those birds specific to the Pacific Northwest coast at this time of year and through the winter months. In this photo by Gregg Thompson, one can see how it would disappear into the background of wet rocks and white spray from the waves, giving us a clue where it can be seen. As it moves across the rocks it stays just at the edges of the “splash zone”, flying up to avoid the water from each wave.

General description: Black Turnstones are a compact, short-billed bird in black and white plumage at all stages of their lives. Black back and upper body with white breast and belly, and a flashy white series of stripes on the upper wings make this bird stand out against the dark rocks, especially when it flies. The bill is slightly flattened at the end to get leverage under shells of prey and pry them loose from the rocks. The white tail has a black terminal band. They are approximately 9.25 inches in length, with a wingspan of 21 inches and weigh about 4.2 ounces. Adult breeding birds have a white mustache and eyebrows.

Habitat: Turnstones are seldom found far from the rocky coast, clambering over rocks on jetties, islets, and even on kelp beds. They can be seen at the edge of the splash zone, where the water sprays up onto the rocks from the incoming waves. If you have trouble seeing them, wait for a wave to break then look for the birds flying up in front of that breaking wave. During breeding season (April through August), turnstones are found in the wet tundra of coastal Alaska near estuaries and lagoons. They spend the rest of the year from Alaska to Baja, but always on the coast.

Behavior: Black Turnstones are usually found in small groups but may be seen in flocks of 100 birds or more. They spend their time searching the rocks for prey, prying it off the rocks or turning over rocks and plant material to uncover their food. They are extremely aggressive on their breeding territory and will fly off-territory for up to 100 meters to pursue jaegers and gulls. They also use aerial displays to attract a mate.

Diet: Their diet is mostly berries and seeds during breeding season, with as many insects as they can catch. During their winter travels they eat acorn barnacles and limpets, plus anything else that happens to be in their way. such as small crabs and aquatic insects.

Nesting: Turnstones return to the same nest and same mate year after year. They nest on the ground near water among grasses and sedges, often covering their nest with the taller grasses. Both birds help build the nest of dried grasses on a shallow scrape, then both parents incubate the four eggs 22 to 24 days. The young are able to leave the nest shortly after hatching and can find their own food. Both parents tend the young for about two weeks after hatching, but then the female leaves and the male tends them until they are independent. They can fly at about 23 days, and have mastered sustained flight by 28-30 days.

Migration: The south-bound fall migration often finds turnstones cutting across the Gulf of Alaska to shorten their flight, which may take them as far south as Mexico. They stay on the coast during the northward trip, hugging the shore. They are found out here on the coast August through April.

Conservation status: Black Turnstones are considered a species of concern and Christmas Bird Counts show them declining in population, with no reason given.

When and where to find on Grays Harbor: The best places to see turnstones are out on the north and south jetties in Ocean Shores and Westport. They can also be found on the sand nearby.