At 08:41 PM 5/21/03 -0400, Shantanu Phukan wrote:
Can someone who knows the how's and wherefores of the Eurasian Collared
Doves in North America tell us a little about just how they came to
be on
this continent (was it a deliberate or accidental introduction or did
they
wing it on their own?).
They were introduced into the Islands, and then made it to S FL/ Key
Largo area on their own. Back in the last half of the 1970's. Stayed
static for a couple of years or so, and then BOOM!
Interestingly, they are people-loving creatures, frequenting towns,
populated areas, and also farm feed lots. Not frequently seen in open
fields the way Mourning Doves are, thus saving themselves from the
hunters. Seldom are they shot in my rural area, although they are not
protected by hunting regulations. Most hunters I know (including
myself) don't consider them good fun game due to their slow flight,
and the fact they hang so close to human habitation. Kind of like
Rock Doves.
Jack Dozier
Alligator Pt., FL
jdozier@nettally.com