The overcast skies at Bolivar Flats in Texas this past April saturated the rusty colors of this Ruddy Turnstone’s breeding plumage and made its bright red legs even brighter than usual. The bird took a moment to check me out before returning to flipping over shells, stones, and debris on the beach in search of food. I’ve said before that I love it when a bird stares straight at me while I am taking its photograph, especially when I’m flat on the sand at the bird’s level. I think it makes a more interesting and distinctive portrait and lets the viewer experience a connection with the bird.