ZENAIDA macroura: MOURNING DOVE

This photo of the MOURNING DOVES is my first bird blip, & it was an interesting journey getting here.  It began when I noticed the female exploring the inside of our patio cover.  Because I have not seen this bird in our yard, I was interested in what this meant.  At first, I thought she was searching for insects in the rafters, but later, I saw her roosting in a far corner with the male.  They stayed there for awhile, her calm & he anxiously hovering.  

They didn't seem the least bit worried that i was photographing them, with my husband's camera & large lens.  It seemed they were shopping for a nesting sight, but left & have not returned to build.  Later in the afternoon, they were perched on our fence, calmly watching me work. I will 
be on the look out for this pair, tomorrow.

This experience motivated me to learn more about this bird.  The
MOURNING DOVE is one of the most abundant & widespread of American birds. It is also the most frequently hunted bird in North America, but is a protected migratory bird in California.  It is related to the Passenger Pigeon,
that was hunted into extinction in the early 1900s.  And is the National Bird of the British Virgin Islands.  It eats seeds almost exclusively & nests in trees, not inside patio covers.

My first experience with this bird was in Arizona, where I heard its haunting
& low cooing call, that is sometimes mistaken for an owl.  This bird's name comes from this plaintive mating call, by the male to attract a female.
If the mating call is successful, they usually mate for life.  In folk lore,
the first coo heard each year brings good luck.

My research says, in literature a pair of MOURNING DOVES represents
devotion, love & friendship.  Some believe they encourage healing &
letting go of emotional baggage, then allowing wisdom to enter.

They do not have any magical powers to protect against COVID-19, but as we enter our 8th week in the STAY SAFE AT HOME order, I will have time
to observe this interesting pair. Stay tuned.....