Boxing Day 2007
My dove, John, didn't spend Christmas night in the dovecote but today he was back and I noticed him displaying courting behaviour. He either has a new lady friend or is on the pull! Obviously I would be delighted if he brought a female back to nest in the dovecote. I can't forget poor Lily, but life and love must go on.
Also today there were an obvious male/female pair on the roof of the dovecote and when I approached cautiously I could see the male had a yellow ring and was my Iona (yes I know he has a girl's name but you can't tell a dove's sex when it is a baby).
Later on today, as well as John, there were two other doves in different sections of the dovecote and I hoped they would stay the night.... but they didn't.
So things are looking very hopeful at the moment, and there are still currently 20 -30 doves visiting on a daily basis.
There is one bit of sad news. Poor Speckles succumbed to paramyxo, and my husband's son, who is a gamekeeper, had to finish him off for me. I feel terrible about this.... but what is worse.... the poor thing was completely disorientated and couldn't even land on the feeding table (huge garden table)..... he would have starved to death. He was a beautiful dove with a lovely speckled pattern and feathered feet. RIP Speckles my dear.
The photo is of Speckles, some months ago.
3 comments:
Faith that is one amazing photo of the doves in silhouette ...get it ready for competitions in 2008! Glad to hear John os being a naughty stop out! Hope you beat that bug soon.
So John went out partying and carousing on Christmas...just like a guy...hehe...I hoep he had a wonderful time!
I love the photo of the Doves Faith. Hope John manages to get "hitched" with a new lady-Dove, after being without his beloved Lily.
Hope you are feeling a bit better today Faith, and nasty bug is on it's way out.
Camilla.xx
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