Do you think they’re ready to breed? 🤞 🕊️ European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) #turtledove #dove #columbidae #conservation | OC Aviary

Sound on... Prick up your ears for the gentle purring of Turtle Doves. Spring sees small numbers of Turtle Doves returning to the UK to breed and there is renewed hope for the population, especially in parts of East Anglia. Long the inspiration for many a poet, Operation Turtle Dove request for Turtle Dove sightings to be reported on Birdtrack. Gaining insight into the population will ensure that conservation efforts for this iconic species are well informed and best placed. https://www.bto.org/

You can see why Turtle Doves get a lot of love, now and throughout history. The soft turr-turr of their call paired with the distinctive black and burnt orange feathers makes them icons of the bird world. Spring can’t come soon enough! #turtledove #BirdsOfFacebook | RSPB