Town tree to linger longer as nesting doves take root
The 12 days of Christmas are a fading memory, but the message doesn’t seem to have reached the fowl whose nesting has scuppered a council’s plans.
While not quite a partridge in a pear tree (or two turtle doves, for that matter), a collared dove and her egg have been found in Paddock Wood’s Christmas tree.
The branches of the evergreen next to the war memorial in Station Road have provided a safe home a pair of doves.
However, the discovery – made when contractors moved in to take down the decorations – initially ruffled the feathers of town officials when they realised the tree would be going nowhere.
Parish clerk Nichola Reay, the person who organised the town’s Christmas decorations, said because of legal protection afforded to bird nests and eggs, the tree may have to remain up until the chicks are fully fledged – around Valentine’s Day in midFebruary.
She said: “It is a lovely story. I hope she manages to raise her babies.
“I would only ask people to stay away from the tree and leave the dove in peace.”
Martin Coath, chairman of the Kent Ornithological Society, said it was not unusual to see collared doves nesting in suburban areas at this time of year.
He said: “They are quite tame creatures, often found in the domestic environment.
“If they have a nice Christmas tree, it is some protection from the wind and weather.
“The way this has been handled shows a lot of concern for birds and the environment.
“It is rather heartening to hear people have gone the right way about this.”
The collared dove, so-called because of the distinctive black band on its neck, is one of the UK’s most successful species, having first bred here as recently as 1955.
Its plumage is pale brown and it can thrive in our towns and villages.
Under UK law it is illegal to disturb wild birds or their nests.
Flouting this can result in a six-month prison sentence and a maximum fine of £5,000.