Turtle Doves have been steadily declining in numbers for several years now and are virtually absent from Hertfordshire. Even sites like Fowlmere in Cambs which have been associated with Turtle Doves for many years are seeing numbers decrease to just one or two pairs, but numbers at Wrabness seem to be fairly stable at the moment.
The site was full of bird song, primarily from the very common Whitethroat which was very much at home in all the scrubby areas, and most Hawthorn bushes and patches of Bramble were home to their scratchy sound.
Towards the tree-lined beach were a few Blackcaps, but most were staying buried deep in the foliage. Only one seemed to have Whitethroat genes and was singing from the top of a Hawthorn.
So what about the Turtle Doves? Well, it is always comforting to hear their purring as you get out of your car. Counting is always difficult as they are very mobile, but there were at least two singing by the car park and two by the beach. There were also several fly-bys during the day.
Sadly today they spent their time sheltering from the heat which made photography very difficult. In fact only one allowed a few shots to be taken despite being buried deep in the shade of a huge tree. Still mustn't grumble.
A lovely site and will definitely be back.
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