Collared Doves

May · #1 (**permalink**) 21-11-2006, 10:24 AM

Our pair of collared doves just brought their little 'un down to the garden recently which is wonderful to see! I spotted a rather clumsy looking dove with barely a collar to be seen ambling down our path .. it took a moment or two to realise it was a baby! I then saw mum and dad and the little one started up with the distinct feed me wing flutter, even as she (I hate to say it) was feeding themselves from the ground feeder!

Does anyone else have baby doves in their garden? They're such little characters!

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 21-11-2006, 10:41 AM

I have not seen baby collar doves (wood pigeon yes) for years ,the first I remember seeing arrived at Avonmouth on timber ships(the cargo) the following year a pair took up residence
near my parents house and and raised a brood,a few years later they were so numerous they were declared a pest!

May · #3 (**permalink**) 21-11-2006, 02:55 PM

My mum has about fifteen in her garden and can't keep up with feeding them!

Ptarmigan · #4 (**permalink**) 23-11-2006, 08:12 PM

Is the difference in 'collar' the distinguishing feature of the juveniles, compared to adults?

mrs fish · #5 (**permalink**) 24-11-2006, 06:03 AM

They don't get their collars until they are adult

bugsxx · #6 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 07:35 PM

hi there i had 2 in my willow tree but they seem to have left the nest they were in for a few days .Have they abandoned the nest ? They are still in the trees at the back of the house though

Northumbrian bir · #7 (**permalink**) 06-04-2009, 08:09 PM

Depends really? Were they on eggs or just building?- do cats get up the tree or any other predators?
Maby they are just practicing as its still early! i know i have two pair, one in the front garden- the other a few doors along (though feeds in my garden on seed i put out!)_odd squable for teritorial rights but seem to tolerate each other- mine are on eggs at the momment, hope they are not too early!

Pippa · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 04:38 PM

Haven't had any young in as yet this year but plenty of adults

Pam_M · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 06:16 PM

Just a pair at present, though I doubt I will get more than this pair! They were absent for most of the winter and only recently returned to my garden! They seem easy prey for Sparrowhawks too, so that is probably why there is not so many in my area as Sparrowhawks are regularly sighted flying in and over my garden!