03/06/2015 3 Turtle Doves at Knepp Estate

Wednesday 3rd June 2015
Knepp Estate, West Sussex

I joined Paul and 6 others for our annual Turtle Dove visit to Knepp.  After parking in the village car park at Shipley we headed for the southern section of the estate.  

• We soon found our first dove sitting peacefully on a bare branch of a tree some 25 feet up from the ground.  After manoeuvering around to avoid the glare of the bright sunshine we enjoyed great views.  Eventually we had to move on with the bird still in place.

• The next sighting, this time 2 Turtle Doves, was on the return leg of the walk by the hammer pond.  One of the doves was again sitting out on an exposed branch of the tree while the other was flying around.

• Other birds seen included several Ravens, a Cuckoo, lots of Buzzards, a Jay, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese and  Great-crested Grebes.  The Nightingales were still in fine voice.  Alas we did not see any Red Kites.

• Also seen were several Roe Deer, a large grass snake, long-horn cattle, horses and lots of rabbits.

• After the recent bout of poor weather it was nice to return to warm summer evenings walking with friends in pleasant surroundings. 

• Once again Knepp has proved to be the premier place in Sussex for spotting Turtle Doves!