Rare 'turtle dove' spotted in Hampshire

An extremely rare turtle dove has been spotted in Hampshire, England. This is the first time that this bird has been seen in the county since 2009.

The turtle dove is a medium-sized European bird that is usually found in open country and woodland. It has a long tail and a distinctive black and white chequered pattern on its wings.

The appearance of this bird in Hampshire is a significant event, as it is only the second time that it has been spotted in southern England in the last 25 years. Bird enthusiasts are hoping to see more of the turtle dove in the coming weeks and months.

Turtle Dove Population in Decline

The turtle dove is a small European bird that has been in decline for several decades. There are many theories as to why the population is declining, but no one knows for sure. Some of the possible causes include changes in climate, loss of habitat, and hunting.

The turtle dove is a migratory bird, meaning it travels to different parts of Europe depending on the season. In the winter, they can be found in southern Europe and North Africa. In the summer, they migrate to northern Europe and Asia.

Over the years, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of turtle doves wintering in North Africa. In fact, the population has decreased by more than 75% since 1990. Scientists believe that this is because of changes in climate – specifically, warming temperatures that have made their winter habitat less hospitable.

The loss of habitat is another major threat to the turtle dove population. Their nesting sites are being destroyed by development and agriculture. Additionally, they rely on buds and seeds from trees and shrubs for food, and these are being lost due to deforestation.

Hunting is also responsible for some of the decline in turtle dove numbers. They are often hunted as pests or game birds, which has led to a decrease in their populations in many countries.

There is still much we don't know about why the turtle dove population is declining. However, it's clear that we need to do something to protect them. We need to find ways to preserve their nesting sites and restore their lost habitats. And we need to find ways to reduce hunting pressure on these birds.

Turtle dove spotted in Gloucestershire for first time in 100 years

A turtle dove has been spotted in Gloucestershire for the first time in over 100 years, according to conservationists. The bird was seen by a member of the public near Dursley and is the first time the species has been recorded in the county since 1915.

The turtle dove is a small, migratory bird that is in decline across Europe. It is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List and its population is estimated to have declined by more than 50% in the last 25 years.

The sighting in Gloucestershire is encouraging news for conservationists and offers hope that the turtle dove may be starting to recover.Michael Clarke, Senior Conservation Officer at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, said: "The discovery of a Turtle Dove near Dursley is fantastic news and suggests that this charismatic species may be starting to recover after many years of decline."

Turtle doves are usually found in open countryside, feeding on seeds and insects. They migrate south for winter, spending the winter months in Africa.

Birders overjoyed as 'turtle dove' spotted in Worcestershire

Forget the cuckoo, forget the nightingale, and forget the skylark. Birders in Worcestershire are overjoyed after a 'turtle dove' was spotted in the area.

The bird, which is native to Africa and southern Europe, was seen at a nature reserve in Malvern. It is the first time that a turtle dove has been spotted in Worcestershire for more than 10 years.

The sighting has got birders excited about the possibility of seeing other rare birds in the area. Malvern is known for its rich array of birdlife, with everything from cormorants to peregrine falcons being spotted there in the past.

Experts say that the chance of seeing a turtle dove in Worcestershire is slim, but that it's not impossible. The birds usually favour open country and farmland, so birders in Worcestershire may have to do some trekking if they want to see one.

Turtle Doves return to Bedfordshire

For the second year in a row, turtle doves have returned to Bedfordshire in significant numbers. The small, brown birds are usually seen in late summer and early autumn, but experts say they have been spotted across the county since mid-May.

While their population is not yet back to pre-2005 levels, there has been a definite increase in sightings in the past two years. This could be due to improved conservation measures or simply be a sign that the species is recovering from its decline.

Turtle doves are one of the UK's most endangered birds and were added to the red list in 2015. They are suffering from loss of habitat, predation by other animals and changes in farming practices.

If you see a turtle dove, please report it to the Bedfordshire nature recorder network (www.bnrn.org.uk).