Collared Doves arrived on our shores in the 1950's, it is thought as a continuation of its spread westwards across Europe from the Balkans and began the colonisation of this country. The first recorded breeding occurred in 1955 when a pair raised two young in Norfolk. The next few years saw this increase rapidly, they bred in Moray, Lincolnshire and Kent in 1957, Northumberland and Hertfordshire in 1958 and spread more widely in subsequent years, first breeding in Ireland in 1959 and Wales in 1960. Within little more than a decade this bird had increased in numbers to the extent that it was classed as a 'pest' species (a pest to who, you may ask?). It is now found throughout Britain and Ireland with over 210,000 occupied territories and now so common it is a regular bird on the RSPB's garden birdwatch top 10 species.
A remarkable 'success' story of a bird that no-one gives a second look to, but is quite beautiful in its own way, particularly the striking red eye.
Thats interesting John. I now have 6 regulars visiting my feeders and getting quite trusting too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike,
DeleteWe have up to 6 at a time as well, although they are far from trusting! We did have a couple more, but a Sparrowhawk has put pay to that!
J
I think the Collared-Doves are lovely as well. Their red eyes are captivating!
ReplyDeleteGlad you agree Tammy! Their eye really stands out against the grey background.
DeleteJ
We have regular pair the garden and I always found them to be very attractive. There are another pair of grey doves or pigeons with distinctive white collars.
ReplyDeleteClick here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Bazza,
DeleteThey are found everywhere now! Sounds to me like you have a couple of Wood Pigeons as well, big, bruisers of birds!
J
I really like these birds. I find them more delicate and prettier than Wood Doves. We have several pairs of those, but only one pair of Collared who visit occasionally.
ReplyDeleteHi Minerva Black,
DeleteFirstly, Thank you for your 'Follow' and your visit. Secondly, they are much daintier and smaller than Wood Pigeons, huge birds with huge appetites!
Thanks again,
J
Yes its a lovely bird to see John, if only the 'Turtle' was a common.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree with you more Roy! That would be a treat to have Turtle Doves everywhere!
DeleteJ
Lovely photo again John. I like them, they have a peacefulness about them I think and I like hearing the sound of their cooing floating down the chimney :-) They, the Wood Pigeons and a small army of Feral Pigeons, do tend to hog the food on the bird tables though!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jan,
DeleteThey are very tranquil birds, but mine seem to fly at the slightest thing, sometimes leaving ghostly prints on our windows! They seem to be fine and fly off though. Our other birds tend to be able to hold their own with the various pigeons and doves we have in the back garden.
J
A couple of years ago we had the perfect imprint of a Sparrowhawk on our French door!! It must have recovered though as it was nowhere to be seen.
ReplyDeleteI should think it is pretty unusual to see a Sparrowhawk do this, they are so quick at changing direction, obviously got caught out whilst chasing its dinner!
DeleteJ