Next Term’s Birds, 8: Turtle Dove

Turtle Dove

One of the star birds we will be knocked out to see will be the sadly plummeting Turtle Dove. In the 19 years of the course we have found these almost every summer in the early days at maybe 7 locations.  Unfortunately, we may not see them at all in 2023. Since I’ve been birdwatching I’ve seen this beautiful dainty dove disappear from North Duffield, Wharram Percy, Kiplingcotes, Haverfield Quarries, Burstwick, Far Ings, Welton Waters, Leven Canal and Pocklington Canal.  Perhaps they may still be at Thorne Moors & Oakhill near Goole?

Turtle Doves were relatively common when I remember seeing my first ones in about 1970, when the UK population was estimated to be 136,000 pairs but they have declined at a truly depressing and alarming rate.  The most recent estimate from 2016, which is already out of date is that there were then only 3,600 pairs. There is probably no single reason for the steep decline, but changes in farming practices, which has meant the reduction in field side wild flowers and the resultant seeds is one of the most important factors. Continued shooting and trapping at some Mediterranean sites has probably exacerbated the problem.

Turtles Doves are the most attractive member of the pigeon family currently found in the UK. In comparison with the others they are fairly secretive birds, and prefer to nest under the cover of thick scrub. Apart from the wonderful pink underparts, the rufous tortoiseshell upperparts, and white bordered diamond shaped tail, they are renowned for their wonderful soporific trimphone-like cooing, which is redolent of lazy, hazy summer days, and which regretfully seems to be slipping into the past.

Rather belatedly the RSPB and other conservation bodies began taking action to try and prevent further losses before this species becomes extinct in the UK. It almost seems too late for East Yorkshire, as I don’t remembering hearing or seeing one locally since before the pandemic.  Here's hoping the rot can be reversed, and these birds will once again be seen and heard some time in the future.