One of my favorite birds that I see in the back is the Mourning Dove. One day I looked outside and saw this one preening. I stopped for a while, always interested in my feathered friends. The fluffed-up feather pattern was not what I was used to seeing and I thought how beautiful, so I reached for my camera.
In these two photos he has his head upside down.
A collage shows more poses for the camera. The one of him in the lower left makes him look like he has Victorian sideburns.
Not long after, another dove appeared.
They were being very nonchalant at first.
I was amused when he turned as if looking in the direction of the camera.
I watched as the dove on the right slowly scooted up next to the dove on the left. Then started a display of fluttering one wing, just barely touching the other dove. A little flutter and then stopped, repeating the process a few times.
The feathers got a bit fluffier. So pretty!
And then...
looking into each others eyes, they kissed. Yes, I am a romantic at heart. He could have been feeding her I guess.
I just thought they were so sweet!
It was time to put my camera down and leave them alone.
Back to my chores!
What a wonderful scene to have been able to see!!! And the way the feathers are fluffed up, it is like artwork! So many layers and patterns! And maybe the start of a new family!
ReplyDeleteI agree Ginny, it was a true gift. I was at the right place at the right time, as often happens with special photos. It would be lovely to see some baby doves soon :)
DeleteThey are such an adorable pair
ReplyDeleteTotally :)
DeleteAwwww.
ReplyDeleteExactly what I saw when I saw them :)
DeleteThey are sweet and your photos are lovely and clear, Denise - well done.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed them Margaret, thank you :)
DeleteI posted on Facebook, love is in the air, when I shared a video and a picture of two house finches. The male was feeding the female. She sure fluttered her wings.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely, I'll have to tell Gregg so that he can show them to me :)
DeleteWhat a lovely series on the doves! Beautiful post. Take care, have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen, much appreciated and I wish you the same :)
DeleteThey are such pretty birds. I live in hopes of seeing them here, but they're extremely rare, being only occasional visitors.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting Janice, I didn't realize they made it over there even on an extremely rare occasion :)
DeleteMourning Dove is a very appealing bird. It’s hard to believe that they are still hunted.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize they were David :*(
DeleteAwesome birds and photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Anne :)
DeleteI love it, I love it, I love it this is priceless. doves are so sweet and so dumb, they let us walk right up to them in the back yard and also pay no attention to Beau. the good news is, beau doesn't do anything but watch. I wish I could have seen this. the photos are excellent
ReplyDeleteBrave little doves you have there Sandra, and sweet Beau who doesn't bother them. I have to be fast with our dove visitors, they always fly away if they see me watching them near the window. Thank you so much :)
DeleteGorgeous photos :-D
ReplyDeleteThank you Ananka, I appreciate that :)
DeleteWhat a delightful series this is. Your commentary to go along with it is perfect. I always enjoyed seeing these birds visit my yard.
ReplyDeleteHappy you enjoyed Ann and thank you. They are fun to see these birds aren't they?
DeleteLots doves...almost too many. We call them flying rats.
ReplyDeleteI have heard the squirrels called that. We don't get too many. Occasional maybe a family of six or seven but they are always welcome. I find their cooing very relaxing :)
DeleteWe have a flock of them around here. The top of my fence is a favorite mating spot.
ReplyDeleteHow nice that you can see them on your fence Boud :)
DeleteAwww that is too sweet. I hope our birds came south with a few extra feathers.
ReplyDeleteWE have several nights next week in the 30's. I love the excellent photos you snapped.
Hugs cecilia
It hasn't been that hot all of a sudden but the temperatures have been all over the place lately. I'm wondering if our Juncos will be flying north soon. Come to think of it I haven't see them for a few days. Maybe they are already on their way? Thanks Cecilia, so happy you liked my photos and sending hugs :)
DeleteAWWW!!! You actually got to capture this in photos!! Wow! Sweet! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rita, I felt very fortunate :)
DeleteAhh...so sweet! Love those ruffled feathers, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellen, those ruffles are really something aren't they?
DeleteYou saw something that very few people have seen. thanks for the photos.
ReplyDeleteAnd it may be a long time before I see this again. You are very welcome Red and thank you :)
DeleteI have to say, this touched my heart.
ReplyDeleteA sweet thing to say Sandra, thank you so much. I felt the same way :)
DeleteSo sweet. I sometimes see birds doing that when they perch on the telephone wires at my house.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting, love is definitely in the air :)
DeleteYour storytelling captures such a charming and delicate moment. The way you observe the doves’ interaction and reflect on their subtle gestures makes for a lovely read. Their quiet companionship is a perfect reminder that spring brings not only warmth but a little romance as well.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I’ve just shared a new post. I’d love for you to take a look and share your thoughts.
Thank you Melody, I appreciate your comment very much. I shall be over to visit as soon as I have caught up :)
DeleteAww Denise such a sweet post ... loved it :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Happy you thought so Jan, thank you and all the best to you too :)
DeleteAmazing how you and your camera managed to capture these moments up close and personal. It's so obvious which one is the male and which is the female. Spring is in the air!
ReplyDeleteHello Karen, I have a camera with a zoom lens. Also, I think you are correct :)
DeleteUy que lindas. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteMe alegra que pienses así. Muchas gracias. Te mando un beso.
DeleteSuch a sweet moment! Mourning Doves always have a peaceful vibe, and I love the 'Victorian sideburns' detail—made me smile! Thanks for sharing this little spring romance. 😊
ReplyDeleteSo glad Veronica and you are very welcome :) I agree 100 percent. So peaceful!
DeleteWhat sweet photos! So nice of that dove couple to let you enjoy their morning:)
ReplyDeleteHappy you thought so Jennifer :) I was so appreciative of them letting me take their photos.
DeleteGreat photos of the Dove, Denise. The ones of them so close together are delightful. You know, when I lived in northern California in the suburbs, I used to see the Mourning Doves, which I think this is, but when I moved to the mountains in northern California, I saw the Eurasian Collared Doves, with the distinct ring around its neck. They visit me almost every day, and are my favorite birds. The Dove family is so peaceful.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
You captured lovely images of first the lone dove and than a companion. I wondered what the background was in the first couple of photos and then saw the flower pot(?) in photos afterwards. The effect as wonderful, Denise and what great photo subjects too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures, and such sharp detail of the ruffled feathers.
ReplyDeletegorgeous images, this is a real great set, my doves are telling me the same thing...i will have to keep my eyes peeled for smooches!!!
ReplyDelete