Turtle Doves?

[cecil39]

Have you seen any? I last saw one about six years ago, and not a sighting since, are they extinct, or just rare nowadays, I can't even remember them being mentioned on spring or autumn watch.

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"The gentle purr of the turtle dove is an evocative sound of summer, but has become increasingly rare following rapid and sustained population declines. One cause of the decline is thought to be lack of seed and grain as food during the breeding season, resulting in a much shorter breeder season with fewer nesting attempts. The species is now included on the Red List of conservation concern."

Source:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/t/turtledove/

[Graham-W]

Plenty of collared doves round here (N. Yorks) but haven't seen a turtle dove for years.