On Friday i did an interview with BBC Breakfast at the RSPB's Hope Farm. Chris Bailey, our farm project manager, and I did our bit on '2 turtle doves' from the 12 days of Christmas. You can see it tomorrow if the programme isn't totally dominated by Chris Hollins's winning of Strictly Come Dancing (or if reading this on Monday morning - you may already have missed it!).
It felt odd standing with snow beneath our wellies talking about a bird that is now, very sensibly, on the other side of the Sahara desert.
Occasional pairs of turtle doves nest at Hope Farm - one pair was found this year - but it's a species that seems to be slipping away as a British breeding species. Its population is in apparent freefall. The reasons appear to be that 'modern' agriculture is too good at getting rid of the weed seeds on which this species depends.
Why are they called turtle doves? Maybe because the pattern on the back of a turtle dove is intricate and gorgeous - rather like the tortoiseshell pattern on a turtle's back. Or is it because in the spring their song is a turrr turrr turrr (turtle dove?)? Is it because of how they look or how they sound?
And in the Song of Solomon, the song of the turtle which is heard in the land is that of the turtle dove.
It's interesting, I think, that alongside the turtle dove in the 12 Days of Christmas there are also partridges, calling birds (blackbirds), geese and swans as well as those three French hens! Birds are a very important part of our cultural heritage. Sign the RSPB's Letter to the Future to strengthen our voice with politicians to make sure that nature has a voice and a future.
PS And here's the link for anyone who'd like to see it. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8423895.stm
Always seems strange to me Turtle Dove in serious decline yet to me very similar Collared Dove all over the place from nothing,is there a simple answer like they need different food,if so what a pity T D can't adapt to grain.
Saw the item just now, Mark (thought you would have sung it!!) and I can appreciate how you feel. They are a beautiful bird to both see and hear, and we're lucky enough to have a few birds each summer on the edge of my small town in S. Warks. Unfortunately, the area is on the local deveopment plan!!! So far, I've managed to get part of it designated as a potential LWS, but I doubt that will be enough in the long run. I really feel like a 'voice in the wilderness' as I don't know how to get people who really matter in such things on board. After all, it's only a few birds who are only here less than half the year and don't really matter............. do they?