Aren't Stock Doves Brilliant? Although less common than the familiar Wood Pigeon and Collared Dove, they are far more numerous than people think due to them, I suspect, being largely overlooked. Up until last year Stock Doves were regular visitors at Amwell but generally only for fleeting visits. A pair would fly in to the lake, circle once to ensure that all was safe and then land on one of the islands for a quick drink. They would then depart as fast as they arrived.
This year, however, they have changed their behaviour. They still adopt their cautious approach but, once landed, will stay for up to 20 minutes feeding on one of the islands or scrapes. It was during one of these visits that I was able to take this shot in front of the viewpoint.
They are slightly smaller than the Wood Pigeon and have no white on the neck or wings. They are a beautiful pastel shade of grey with an iridescent green patch on the neck, narrow black wing-bars and a red bill and feet. Absolutely stunning.
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