I’m sharing a few urban Mourning Dove photos this morning that I took close to home yesterday. It was in the upper 20s when I photographed this flock of doves.
Urban Mourning Dove foraging on a cold morning – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was driving to my local pond to see if any winter birds had arrived when I spotted a flock of about 30 Mourning Doves. All of the doves were busy foraging and paid little attention to me as I sat in my Jeep on the side of the road.
I’m not sure what the doves were eating, despite my high-powered zoom lens. I’ve seen doves foraging at this spot for the past couple of weeks, so whatever they are eating, they must really like it.
Chilly Mourning Dove foraging in early morning – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The doves were silent as they moved through the low vegetation. It was also relatively quiet in terms of people, probably due to the low temperatures. Until I got out of my Jeep to walk around, I was warm. After that, the biting cold wind let me know winter will soon be here.
Urban male Mourning Dove on a cold morning – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It isn’t unusual to see Mourning Doves where I live in the city. With the Jordan River Trail and city parks close by, there are open spaces, fields, and plenty for the doves to eat. Additionally, people who live nearby have bird feeders in their yards. Typically, though, I don’t see flocks of this species foraging together in my neighborhood.
I thoroughly enjoyed photographing these doves yesterday morning.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Mourning Dove photos plus facts and information about this species.
When we lived in No. Calif., we had Mourning Doves around the house all the time. We don’t see them as often in San Diego because they stay mostly in the foothills. (Too many people.) Beautiful birds. Thanks Mia.
It was in the upper twenties here too yesterday – but Celcius rather than Farenheit. Sigh.
Love the Mourning Doves, and that they are finding an abundance of food.
Nice shots Mia, one of my favorite birds!
Love these! My daughter lives in Brooklyn. Her window-close mourning doves are her best and closest wild companions ( mice not included).