Following the long process of sifting through every pigeon that crosses my eyes as well as excursions to several locations, the passage migration has reach its final days and the weather is no longer bearable. Needless to say, I haven’t seen the turtle dove and I was beaten to it in sighting, even if I were to see it eventually
However, I can’t say that I am disappointed. Despite my limited options in movement and restrictions due to me not having a license and driving around the country whenever I wished and further exaggerated by the immense pressure of examinations throughout the most crucial month of migration, I still feel my efforts were paid off in another way. Yes, I failed to achieve my goal, but I saw other things. I saw passage migrants, like the pallid harrier, the common rock thrush, and the European bee eater. I saw other common species up close like the grey francolin and the crested lark. I even saw some threatened birds, most notably the Eurasian curlew and the black-tailed godwit in its spectacular breeding plumage.
I still have my head up, as there is still another goal. By then I would have gotten my license and freedom to go around the country wherever I wish, in colder weather and the need for exams lifted off my shoulders as the sociable lapwing arrives to this country
As for the turtle dove, maybe next year.