The Lincolnshire Bird Club

... is heard in the land. A pleasant surprise at the end of my R Torne WBBS this morning was a singing Turtle Dove, vaguely near Epworth. (I am not sure whether publicising exact locations of these is now sensible.) It flew off after a short while but returned 15 minutes later with a long stick, which it held on to for ten minutes or more while sitting on a wire in a state of indecision, before dropping it. Presumably I only saw one bird, a male.

On this section of the Torne, I recorded 1-3 TD most years during 2002-2008 but none since until today. I wouldn't be surprised if a thorough search of the peaty areas of south Axholme, full of scrappy hedges, revealed a few more - but it would be quite hard work.

One heard in Woodhall this afternoon.

Also my first June record of L Egret, and 44 other species, on BirdTrack.

Rob

Baumber Park, Monday 13th June

Having been away for the past two weeks I am pleased to be able to report a Turtle Dove purring from the favourite cherry tree in the garden at 8.30 this morning. I also heard it from the same tree firstly on 29th May just prior to leaving on holiday although others report hearing one earlier on in May. This is the third year in a row we appear to be hosting a territorial pair although to date I have yet to make visual contact!

Baumber can also report a returning pair of Spotted Flycatchers to the same private garden as last year also.

Two Turtle Doves heard today on my Monday golf round - one on Market Rasen Golf Course and the other in Dog Kennel Wood. Whilst waiting to tee off under the Scots pines we were showered with cones - looked up to see at least 6 Crossbills including 3 juveniles.