They areTurnstones!

The Ruddy Turnstone (or to give it its latin name – Arenaria interpres!) is slightly larger than a dunlin and can be quite chunky in shape. The colouring varies through the year and between sexes, but is always a mixture of white, black, brown and brick-red. The short, stout bill is used, as the name would suggest, to turn stones, so the species is found on rocky shores but also on harbour walls. The birds are generally quite tame and approachable and are regularly seen both here in Padstow, and in St Ives.

                                   Ruddy turnstone in breeding plumage         

  Ruddy turnstone in nonbreeding plumage

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