Burton, N.H.K., Fuller, R.A. & Eaton, M.A. 2005. Between-year changes in the wintering sites of Ruddy Turnstones Arenariai interpres: a response to diminished food resources? Wader Study Group Bulletin 107: 36-39.

Abstract

Individual Ruddy Turnstones Arenaria interpres have previously been found to be highly faithful to their wintering sites both within the between years. Here we describe between-year shifts (of 64-77 km) in the wintering sites of five birds colour-ringed in NE England. A local population decline following the cessation of sewage discharges suggests that four of these atypical movements might have been a response to diminished food resources. A fifth bird moved to the area with the presumed diminished resources, but then returned to its original wintering site.

Key words: Shorebird, Ruddy Turnstone, Arenaria interpres, Wintering site, Site fidelity, Sewage outfall.