Spotted Turtle-Dove - Should I shoot it?

["Richard Summerrell" <>]

Thanks Ian, but I still don't have an answer to my question. Your piece in GG was obviously written with the benefit of much personal knowledge, but I still don't understand why STDs are a problem. You don't actually say. They aren't  hollow-nesters and of the 139 species I have recorded on our place in the last 9 years I haven't recorded  Bar-shouldered Doves - only Common B'wings, Peaceful Doves and Crested Pigeons (not including the Rock Dove that Jack Holland recorded here a few years ago - and which he thankfully saw being taken by a hawk).

 

What I am seeking is some 'on-ground' advice that helps me decide whether or not to kill a seemingly harmless and beautiful creature.

 

BTW, the Victorian bushfire appeal seems to have reached the $8m mark. I wonder how much has been donated to the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife. As usual, humans take precedence. It would be nice if some of us could donate to the care of our very special wildlife - by donating to  http://www.rspca.org.au/

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

Regards, Richard