While I was sitting at my desk yesterday afternoon, when the sun was shining a bit, I heard one of the sounds of spring: Mourning Dove calls outside my window.
Adult Mourning Dove on an old fence rail – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
My living room window was closed, but the call was close. The doves must have been sitting right outside the window. I didn’t get up to look at the doves because I didn’t want to frighten them. Instead, I sat still and enjoyed their soft, unmistakable calls.
It did get relatively warm yesterday afternoon, with temperatures above the 50-degree mark, so it felt like spring had arrived. The days are getting longer, and temperatures are on the rise. It is no wonder the doves are calling and singing again.
Mourning Dove on an old lichen encrusted fence – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Mourning Doves didn’t stay outside my window for all that long but their calls were a gentle reminder that the seasons are changing.
I see Mourning Doves here in Utah year round along with Eurasian Collared-Doves. They show up under the feeders and eat what the other birds knock down to the ground.
I’m excited about the changes that this spring will bring!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mourning Dove photos plus facts and information about this species.
Terrific shots! The subtle colors and detail you were able to capture within those colors is amazing. Thanks Mia.
Unfortunately here in Denver the numbers of MODO’s have been dwindling. Obviously we are getting an over abundance of the ECDO’s. 😳
Lovely birds that we see all winter, but their numbers have greatly increased the past few weeks.
I am looking forward to spring and all the birds that I may encounter. And warmer weather.