A successful coloniser...

Since the UK's first breeding collared doves were recorded in the mid-1950s, their numbers have sky-rocketed to make them one of the top ten most common garden birds. Their invasion of Europe from Asia began in the mid-20th century and once they'd arrived, farmyards full of fallen grain and plentiful animal feed were the springboard for a rapid population expansion into our mills, docks and towns.I remeber them being a rarity, but have to say that I find tham an attractive addition to the UK fauna, being very attractive in an understated sort of way.

Not much time for photography today. We're soon off for a short trip to East Yorkshire - such a shame the weekend's spring weather appears to be a flash in the pan, with strong east winds and rain forecast for the coming week. I think I might give up organising UK holidays soon!!