Ringed Turtle Dove in Silver Spring

GAIL@UMDD.UMD.EDU
Thu, 18 Jun 98 08:57:57 EDT


Yesterday Barry and I went over to check on the Ringed Turtle Dove reported
on the June 16 VON. Of course, we had hopes that it would prove to be a
Eurasian Collared Dove (aka Maryland's Most Expected New Bird) but it is
definitely a Ringed Turtle Dove. One assumes it is an escaped cage bird.
Guess we have to keep looking for the dreaded Collared Dove.

To give an indication of their spread, this year I have seen Eurasian
Collared Dove in Colorado (!), China, England and Germany. I did NOT see
or hear any in FInland last week, so perhaps they have not yet colonized
that far north -- or maybe I just missed them.

The Finland trip was for the World Dog Show but I did take one day to bird
and managed to see (Eurasian) Pygmy Owl, the impressive Ural Owl, Three-
toed Woodpecker at the nest, Marsh Warbler, and Ortolan Bunting (all new
for me) as well as other goodies like Red-backed Shrike and Black Woodpecker.
Also three Elk (Moose).

Cheers,
Gail Mackiernan
Silver Spring, MD
gail@umdd.umd.edu