Good Mourning Zenaida Macroura Marginella 

We have a wide variety of birds in NoCo. The above photo is of the western Mourning or Turtle Dove (The title is their Latin subspecies name for the Western US). Pretty pigeons (Rock Dove).

They make this whirring sound when they take off, which is similar to the sound that would come from a tin can tied to a string and spun circularly over your head like a lariat.

Their call can be a sonorous multiple triple hoot, like like an insecure owl. But they also have this harsh caw they make that sounds like someone being strangled while shouting “Blah!”

I rarely see one hanging solo. There are usually at least two, with a male flying from tree branch to telephone poles after a female like a love struck teenager. Males of most species tend to make a fool of themselves in the pursuit of love. Mourning Doves are no different.

They seem to be easily spooked. Skittish. That’s probably good, in a world dominated by predators who look upon them as a potential meal, even man.

There was one standout that used to like to perch on my back deck rail at Casa Claire. I guess he thought I was the least threatening creature in the area, so he didn’t mind when I sat out there watching him. After a while he found a mate and took off. God bless.

I rarely see them alight on terra ferma.

So yesterday, when I was leaving a mule snack on the table out back, I looked up on the rise and spotted one resting beneath one of the bushes. He was perched on an old log, and seemed quite content. He must have felt safe, or he would never have left himself so exposed. He seemed to be enjoying the peace.

That is the vibration visitors of all species get here on Casa Claire.

I left him to his unusual solitude. Happy we could accommodate.

But now, I must end my solitude and wake my wife for work. Then feed my kitties and cuddle at least one.

Then my rounds.

But it is Friday, so hope springs eternal.

You fine, five readers get out there and wrap up the work week. A beautiful Autumn weekend awaits.

And whatever we do, let’s make today a great one.

Oh, and yesterday I made the cut in BRW’s Top 20 Writers You Need To Read. So thank you Reagan Rothe and The BRW team.

https://mailchi.mp/blackrosewriting/20-authors-you-need-to-read?e=201cde783d