Chipping Norton ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE - weekend directive

The ORIENTAL TURTLE DOVE put in a very good showing this morning, flying in on cue at 41 The Leys at 0740 hours and then showing on and off for the next two hours. Steve and Sharon Akers very kindly extended their hospitality and over a period of an hour or more, we managed to get 170 birders through - many of whom enjoyed excellent views of the bird on the grass and on the birdtable. It then became more mobile and was better viewed from the rear garden of number 31, often in the hedgerow, in the Apple trees and in the tall Ash trees. Once again, I am indebted to Emma and Jebs Cockburn for allowing me to arrange further access into their property. After this, the bird flew across the road and roosted in a favoured Ash tree to the west of the houses and sat there for at least two hours resting and preening - a further 80 or so late arrivals saw it here.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR TOMORROW

Steve and Sharon have very kindly agreed to open up their living room for one final day and from 0730 hours will be allowing access. Emma & Jebs have also agreed to allow access and we will try to accomodate everyone that intends to visit. Please note that this will be the LAST DAY OF ACCESS and the residents have requested that NOBODY turns up on Sunday.

PARKING MUST ONLY BE IN THE TOWN CENTRE OR ON THE DERELICT LAND OPPOSITE JEWSONS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LEYS - THE RESIDENTS HAVE REQUESTED THAT BIRDERS REFRAIN FROM PARKING IN THE LEYS.

Access is granted on condition of donating £5 to charity - to Birdlife Malta in Steve's case and for young Daisy who is seriously ill for the Cockburn Family.

At ALL times, please be courteous and respectful to all of the residents and try not to block the road too much, particularly when the bird chooses to roost on the opposite side of the road

Many, many thanks

Lee Evans