These beautiful birds are getting as scarce as hens' teeth these days. Reasons are varied - habitat loss, systemic weed killers, agricultural intensification, to name a few, but my personal belief is one of hunting. These stunning birds are being blasted out of the skies as they make their migration across the Mediterranean to our shores in order to breed. They are killed before they are have a chance to further the species on islands such as Malta, the reason........ 'Sport'.
A sight for sore eyes. Beautiful birds John.
ReplyDeleteIf only we could hunt the hunters and save the birds.
They are indeed Keith! Completely agree with you about hunting the hunters, give them a taste of their own medicine!
DeleteJ
Oh yes, it's long time ago that I have seen one, well done John, it is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bob! They certainly aren't as common as they once were, more's the pity.
DeleteJ
Funny you should post this John. I'm fairly certain I used to see the occasional bird, or pair, locally but haven't for some time. We see plenty of the other doves and pigeons. I find the turtle dove to be particularly beautiful. You have mentioned the Malta problem before which I find an appalling situation.
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Bazza!
DeleteUnfortunately, this is a common story. Rutland Water, just up the road from me, used to have 6-7 breeding pairs, but there are none now. I read somewhere that apparently Collared Doves can't stand Turtle Doves and constantly attack them when seen!
Sorry to go on about the Malta problem, but it continues unabated!
J
Great to see the Turtle Dove. Ages since one visited my garden.
ReplyDeleteI have never had one visit my garden John, you are lucky to have had them visit in the past. Funnily enough, the bird in the photo was visiting a nearby garden and then popping up on the wires just outside the house.
DeleteJ
I usually manage to see,or at least hear, one in my locality but so far this year - nothing. I'll keep looking though.
ReplyDeleteKeep your fingers crossed John, you never know. They are still about, just in a lot fewer numbers.
DeleteJ
I am very lucky in the fact that I have seen one every year for the past 7 or eight years, although the numbers that I am seeing are now in single figures as opposed to double figures in earlier times!
ReplyDeleteJ
Great to see John.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately a rarer sight these days Roy!
DeleteJ