Peterborough Bird Club annual report Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur | A | Fairly common 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
2003	Scarce migrant breeder and common passage migrant. The first record was of one at Orton BP on 17 Apr (SPD) followed by singles at Dogsthorpe Star Pit NR on 21 Apr and at Crowtree (Farcet Fen) and Deeping Lakes NR on 22 Apr. 26 together at Baston & Langtoft GP on 26 Jul (AD) is a record count for the area. Most records were of 1-3, although 4-8 birds present at Crowtree from 2 May-18 Jun (SPD, KAF). Five to six birds recorded from Castor Hanglands NNR, Dogsthorpe Star Pit NR and Milking Nook, with 10 at Baston & Langtoft GP on 25 May (DJ, GJ, JJ). Singing birds reported from Bainton GP, Baston & Langtoft GP, Baston Fen NR, Eldernell, Farcet Fen, Gault Wood, Holme Fen, Maxey GP, Morborne Hill, Nene Terrace, Northorpe Slipe, Ring Haw, Swaddywell Pit and Thurlby Fen. The last record was of a single bird on the Nene Washes on 20 Sep (RSPB). Image © Steve Dudley. Click for a larger version.
2002	Scarce migrant breeder and common passage migrant. The first report was of a single bird calling at Kate’s Bridge on 20 Apr (RG), followed by another single at Dog-in-a-Doublet on 21 Apr (GRH). As usual, most birds arrived from early May. All records were of 1-3 birds, with the exception of four together, probably a family group, at King’s Dyke NR on 6 Jul (PPa). Displaying birds were seen at Eldernell, Elton, Ferry Meadows CP, Kate’s Bridge, King’s Cliffe and Morborne Hill. The last record was of three together at Ramsey Heights NR on 25 Sep (SPD).
2001	Scarce migrant breeder and common passage migrant. The first bird was noted at Apethorpe 20 Apr (GRH), beating the previous earliest arrival by two days. The next was seen a week later and the main arrival occurred during the second week of May. Sightings of 1–3 birds continued from suitable areas until the last at King’s Dyke NR 11 Sep (GW). A party of seven at Deeping Lakes NR 31 Aug (SPD) was the only record of more than three birds. It would seem the gentle purring of a singing bird is becoming harder to experience in the area. Reported singing from only six locations: Eldernell, where there were three at the pits and one at Lord’s Holt (RSPB); Dogsthorpe Star Pit NR (PJP); Elton (BHS), Milton Golf Course (WEW), Deeping Lakes NR (AD), Castor Hanglands NNR (MC).
2000	Widespread summer visitor. A much more popular species than Collared Dove, with more than 45 reports from most parts of the area. First and last records were of singles at Kate's Bridge 22 Apr (TW) and Elton 10 Oct (BHS). Most records were of 1-3 birds, but up to ten were regularly observed from the train between Peterborough and Monk's Wood in Aug (MC), and 15 at Deeping High Bank 19 Jul (AB).
1999	Widespread summer visitor. The first returning bird of the spring was at Orton BP 26 Apr (GW, GRH) and at least two young were reared there. Three pairs were believed to have bred at Crowtree, Farcet Fen (AL). Singles and pairs were seen in most suitable habitat.
1998	Scarce summer visitor, common migrant. Extreme records were of two at Morborne Hill on 25 Apr (ARF) and one at Ring's End on 19 Sep (BHS). Birds were recorded at Maxey GP, Sibson, Dog-in-a-Doublet, Tallington GP, Langtoft West End GP, Nassington, Milton Golf Course, Castor Hanglands NNR, Deeping Station, Ferry Meadows CP, Baston & Langtoft GP, Orton BP, Dogsthorpe Star Pit NR, Market Deeping, Elton Furze and North Bank. Nene Washes: One pair bred at Eldernell Pit. Otherwise, birds were scarce this year. Of note were up to three birds from 31 Aug-10 Sep, drinking on the reserve.
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