Wednesday 21 June 2023

Turtle Doves in deepest Suffolk

On Sunday 18th June, I had arranged via Barry W. to visit a farm and go in a specially constructed hide to hopefully view and photograph Turtle Doves and other farmland birds. I met Barry W. at the prearranged spot at the very early start of 5.15pm and he indicated to drive up and turn left and park. He had some seed and put it out in 3 areas in front of the hide. Barry wasn't joining me as he had some ringing to do but I was able to use the porto loo and went into the hide. basically a small shed converted to a bird hide with netting over and Barry pointed the camera to the relevant the light was awful area. The sky was very overcast and the light was awful with rain showers but after about 20 minutes the birds arrived Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves and 2 Turtle Doves. Later a pair of Yellowhammers also arrived plus the odd Carrion Crow. Even a family of Moorhens with an adult and 2 youngsters. By around 9.30am, the first shafts of sunlight broke through and the Turtle Doves were back, 2 then 3 birds, 1 male was courting the female puffing himself up and chasing the female. Suddenly, they flew off as Swallows started alarm calling overhead,

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