Turtle Dove

I spent 4 days out on Inishmore the Aran Islands last week with a few friends.  I came upon one Turtle Dove in Kilmurvey Wood and this elusive bird in a beautiful little house and garden just outside Kilronan. The bird eventually gave long enough views to snap off the following series of shots.

 Turtle Dove on the Aran Islands, County Galway © John N Murphy

Turtle Dove

This Turtle Dove was feeding in a small farmyard with Collared Doves last Saturday 14th May at Kilbaha, Loop Head.  Turtle Doves are nowadays a scarce Spring migrant to the west of Ireland.  This is only the second ever summer record of one at Loop Head. Millions are still shot each year over Mediterranean Islands, as they migrate back from Africa after the winter to breed in Europe.