There have been several sightings of Turtle Doves in recent days – signalling the return of the birds following a journey lasting thousands of miles.
And that means that Langdyke’s contribution to the nationally led Operation Turtle Dove has re-started at the Trust’s Etton Maxey reserve.
A team of volunteers is putting out special seed three times a week to supplement the diet of the endangered birds and help them to breed locally,
The Turtle Dove is a dainty bird with chestnut tortoiseshell-patterned wings and a zebra-striped neck. Flying thousands of miles from West Africa the birds arrive in April and May to breed. They depart again in August and September.
The familiar ‘turn-turr’ call can be heard around the many Maxey area pits and particularly alongside the Maxey Cut. The birds are often seen on the Etton Maxey reserve looking for food.
In recent years the number of Turtle Doves in the UK has declined dramatically – hence the launch of the national Operation Turtle Dove.
For several years Langdyke volunteers have been supporting this. Led by volunteer Ian Wilson and supported by David Cowcill and Keren and Mick Thompson the team put out special food for the birds three times a week in a corner of the Etton Maxey reserve. At one time the car park area was used, but feeding here has stopped because of the proposed Anglian Water pipeline work and the birds have already been spotted this year using the alternative area.
Sightings of the birds are recorded and reported to the national scheme by Ian.
The main picture taken by Brian Lawrence (above) shows Turtle Doves in recent years at the Etton Maxey reserve.