White Doves

We had a pair under our solar panels. They will find a new buddy eventually, but only if another flock appear or they venture away.

Thanks, my lonely white dove did find a new partner after the cat killed his mate. It was lovely seeing their courtship.
Then a couple of weeks ago I found white feathers on my lawn ! The pesky cat had caught him, I recognised his tail feathers as they had black tips. The lonely one still lived under the sola panels and came down to feed off the seed I put out. Then a couple of other white doves were attracted to her & the cooing & cooing started again. So hopefully she will soon decide which one to mate with.
I have blocked the hole in the fence the cat was coming through with a stone covered in mustard ! Done the trick up to now but still on ‘cat watch’.

I fear this will be an increasing problem since so many white doves seem to be appearing, with little skill to find or forage for food.
Release doves for ‘special occasions’ may be to blame.

My friend now has 24 that descend on her small patio twice a day for bird food that she puts out for smaller birds. They are desperate to eat. A few have some dark feathers.
It would be good for some sort of RSPB directive/advice to be put out by a bird charity, to help deal with this sad problem.
Two doves were found in our garden, still, and looking sick. I gloved up and gently picked them up and they were seen by a vet. They had a thrush type canker all down their throat and were euthanised. So sad.

Regarding cat deterrent………
I have seen a good ,maybe unsightly remedy.
If it is a fence or wall, install a rotating plastic tube on the top, on a tight wire or cord. They soon give up trying to use it to land on when they jump up.

Also, if there is a low roof or very high feeder for the birds to land on it will help keep them safe. Food near the ground will attract a cat to pounce.