Dove Loft
At Salt Air Farm we lovingly raise, train, and maintain a team of beautiful white doves.
Our birds come and go from their farm loft as they please. They are available for use in both ceremonies and photo shoots that take place right here on our farm. View our Dove Release FAQs for more information.
Due to the busy nature of farming we no longer fly our doves off farm. If you are interested in learning more about them we invite you to schedule a tour and experience our birds in the beautiful and tranquil setting of Salt Air Farm.
Dove Release FAQs
What do white doves signify?
A: White doves are the everlasting symbol of love, peace, hope, new beginnings, purity, fidelity, and holy spirit. A white dove release acknowledges our hope for the future and recognizes the untouchable sacred element of eternal love.
What kind of ceremonies are doves appropriately used for?
A: Our birds are used here on the farm for Weddings, Proposals of Marriage, Anniversaries, Memorial Services, and photo shoots. Note: We no longer fly our birds off farm due to the time intensive nature of farming.
How are doves used on Salt Air Farm?
A: That’s up to you. Some folks would like a formal dove release at their event, others prefer a more relaxed approach and just have the birds flying about as they please.
What does a dove release look like?
A: Our doves are placed in a special dove carrying case that will keep your birds both protected and clean. When you are ready you simply drop the door on the case releasing the birds. The birds will ascend and circle before flying back to their loft.
Do the doves get hurt in any way during the release process?
A: Absolutely not. Our doves love to fly, will happily perform for you. The birds that we breed are pedigreed flyers that have the ability to "home" up to 600 miles. They are beautiful strong flyers that cover large areas of the North Fork without any prompting on our end! Neither Ring Neck Doves nor Mourning Doves should ever be used in releases as they are unable to find their way home and will die within a day or two of a release. We breed a special form of homing pigeon which is descended from the Rock Dove. A member of the dove family this beautiful bird has all the good looks of its dove ancestors with the advanced homing ability of a racing pigeon. Very beautiful and very cool!
How much does a dove release cost?
A: For those individuals scheduling an event here on our farm there is no charge for the use of our birds. They are simply here to help you mark a special moment in time.
Who releases the doves?
A: Either you can release them or, if you prefer, we will release them for you. Regardless, we will be available to be sure everything runs smoothly.
Does weather affect a dove release?
A: Yes. Both weather and light conditions affect doves. Doves do not mind hot or cold weather but they can not fly well in rain, snow, or dark conditions. Releasing birds in poor weather or close to dark results in high fatality rates. As a result, all releases must take place at a time that allows the birds to return home before dark and in safe (dry) conditions.
May we feed the doves?
A: Yes, with assistance. Our doves are part of our family. They are very well cared for and follow a special diet to keep them fit and healthy. They are carefully trained athletes whose diet is designed to give them the energy and stamina they need for long flights without making them fat and sluggish.
How far can the doves fly to return home safely from a release?
A: Our doves are carefully bred, pedigree birds, that can fly up to 600 miles to safely return home to their loft.