Turtle Dove

[RobinP]

Sorry no pics but one still showing well and 'purring' from the Old Rectory at Ayot St Lawrence, Herts. Lovely birds...

[Hedge Witch]

Thanks for this, Robin. I was thinking the other day how nice it would be to see one, will check this one out soon as it's not too far from me

[Rob_D]

Still one or two near Ashwell this year. I will get a photo when I get the chance.

Why are they now so scarce? Do they get out-competed for nest sites by the collared doves? Collared doves seem to be happy living near humans, but all the Turtles I have seen around here have been well away from human habitation. Is this right?

[ChrisJB]

A lovely old English bird the turtle dove and one I have not seen many of. I do however have special memories of camping on a site near Horncastle in Lincolnshire a few years ago and was woken every morning by one seemingly purring right by the tent. Yet, when I'd go outside there would be nothing there. On the last day, riven with frustration, I stuck my head right in a hawthorn near the tent and was met with a turtle dove sat on a nest, incubating eggs. I don't know who was more shocked, me or her and I retreated at breakneck speed.
In terms of their crash in numbers, I believe Maltese hunters have played a big part.

Regards, Chris

[Hedge Witch]

We went to the Old Rectory yesterday, but no luck, I'm afraid

This is what one internet source says about their decline:

According to the State of Europe's Common Birds 2007 report, the Turtle Dove population in Europe has fallen by 62% in recent times. This is partly because changed farming practices mean that the weed seeds and shoots on which it feeds, especially Fumitory, are scarcer, and partly due to shooting of birds during migration in Mediterranean countries.

Another source also blames a reduction in suitable nesting sites due to a decline in overgrown hedges (never underestimate the significance of the humble hedge!).

Very sad really

[Mungo]

I heard one last night at Paxton Pits, a first for me I had never heard one before

[Hedge Witch]

Not another WORD about Paxton Pits and 1001 species that you all saw and heard there last night

[Mungo]

[snake]

We are lucky enough to still have a few in the area, I found these guys this afternoon feeding on some spilt corn in the yards.

[RobinP]

Fantastic pic Snake, I'm well impressed