Motney Hill 24/06/22

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In two previous visits to Motney, the first on 19th May, I've seen two Turtle Doves each time, but heard no purring males this year. Waking early this morning it was a good opportunity to check again and in good weather.

The first walk along the road yielded nothing so I continued to Otterham Creek. Then looking back from the creek, success, a Turtle Dove was on the wires, and began purring. After a couple of minutes it flew off in the direction of the sewage farm, so I walked back to the road. 

From the road I could see two more Turtle Doves on the wires ahead, and views through the 'scope confirmed they were both juveniles (in the last two years it hasn't been until August that I found any juvs here). At one point there were also two purring males, one on the wires, and another, which I couldn't see, behind the houses.

Later, at nearby RDE, a good view of a male Bullfinch, plus a Lesser Whitethroat showed briefly. Also three Adders, including a very reddish female.

Adult Turtle Dove

Adult Turtle Dove

Juvenile Turtle Dove

Juvenile Turtle Dove

Male Bullfinch



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