Turtle Doves at Fingringhoe Wick

14th May 2025

There had been reports of five Turtle Doves at Wrabness but when I went a few days later I only heard one distantly for 10 seconds which is consistent with other recent reports, therefore time for a visit to Fingringhoe. As soon as I got to the picnic area I could hear one quite close by and located it on a dead tree trunk. Unfortunately it was into the sun and when it flew to the other side of the track it was partially obscured by branches.

Unfortunately this is the challenge with Turtle Doves as although they are known to prefer to sing from dead trees they don't seem to understand light or the adverse effect of branches across the body.

I did find one that was not obscured but facing towards me so you couldn;t see the distictive turtle-coloured wings, although it did have a preen to show off the distinctive white tail band.

Eventually it all came together with this one posing against a woodland background and showing all the main features.

Even providing a bit of action. Don't you just love it when a plan comes together.

Well another great day at Fingringhoe, and also good to have a catch-up with Julie and Caz.