Turtle Doves Return to North Yorkshire

Mon 8th May, 2023

After a cold start to our spring this year, we seem to have finally settled into a longer warm spell. Winds turned south-west this week which has really helped our migrant birds arrive from Africa. It’s wonderful to welcome back our European Turtle Doves to the North York Moors National Park (NYMNP) and Great Yorkshire Forest.

European Turtle Dove - North Yorkshire 2019 © Richard Baines

These iconic birds travel from Senegal, up to 5,000km to reach us every year, an incredible flight. Satellite tagging research carried out by Operation Turtle Dove has discovered our English nesting Turtle Doves spend 54% of their time in Africa, 30% on their breeding grounds and the rest on migration. When we think about how a Turtle Dove spends its time every year, we realise these are really Africa birds which travel north to nest in Europe rather than English birds which spend the winter in Africa. This amazing journey takes approximately three weeks.

European Turtle Dove - North Yorkshire 2019 copyright Philip Whitte

We are all working hard to save these precious birds from further decline in Europe. Whilst our UK and International partners track their migration, negotiate hunting bans and conserve habitat in Europe, in North Yorkshire we are busy restoring and creating habitat for our local doves.

Thanks to a recent National Lottery Heritage grant a new project called Birds on the Edge (BoE) has started in the NYMNP. This four-year project will help four species: Yellowhammer, Turtle Dove, Redstart and Song Thrush. At the same time our North Yorkshire Turtle Dove Project is continuing to conduct annual surveys (in partnership with BoE) and increase habitat by working with The Friends of Dalby volunteer group. All the funds we raise are used to improve Turtle Dove habitat in Dalby Forest.

Friends of Dalby digging a drinking pool for Turtle Doves in 2022

You can help Turtle Doves in our area by donating directly to The Friends of Dalby Turtle Dove fund CLICK HERE or by joining one of our YCN Bird Sound Safaris or Nightjar Safaris. 10% of the income from every safari goes directly to The Friends of Dalby.

One of the best places to see in Turtle Doves in our area is at Sutton Bank National Park Visitor Centre. Our first male arrived back at Sutton Bank last week! I recommend arriving early in the morning before the site gets busy.

Thank you, from Yorkshire's Turtle Doves! 

Richard Baines

North Yorkshire Turtle Dove Project Volunteer Officer and YCN Director