Stock Doves

Two pairs of Stock Doves have bred near Rudbaxton Church for the past three years. One pair nested in an old farm building, the other in a hollow Ash tree.

The building was demolished and the tree used by nesting Jackdaws this year. No Stock Doves were seen in the area until late July, well after the Jackdaws had left the tree. A lone Stock Dove then sang occasionally from the tree but to day it sang frequently and made circular and display flights. Another non singing bird was present which eventually moved in among the branches of the tree.

Let us hope this activity leads to breeding, for Stock Doves have become local and far from numerous. Like all pigeons they will nest throughout the year if conditions are suitable.