mourning dove photo shoot

7.6.22 ~ Griswold Point

It was a muggy but very breezy morning so a walk was possible. About half way through I spotted this sweet mourning dove perched on a rock by the Thames River, partially hidden behind some vegetation. She stayed put while I moved around trying to get her best angle.

#2 ~ feathers lift in the stiff breeze
#3 ~ neck feathers, too
#4 ~ there, that’s better
#5 ~ a different perspective
#6 ~ a very patient model
#7 ~ love those pink feet
#8 ~ this might be my favorite shot with a pair of orbs
#9 ~ another photographer position shift
#10 ~ such a friendly bird

I was surprised that she made no motion to leave until I grew tired of taking pictures and turned around to leave. Then she finally flew off. It was a treat seeing a mourning dove by the water because they usually show up on our balcony and in the trees behind our condo. I appreciated the chance to get some pictures of one in a much more natural setting.

20 thoughts on “mourning dove photo shoot”

  1. I love doves – they are such calm creatures. I watch them walking around in our garden in the early morning. I love to listen to their cooing.

    1. I love their cooing, too, even when it starts up in the middle of the night in the spring. It’s very soothing. They’re great companions in the garden. 🙂

  2. Aw, I love mourning doves! Monkey is always puzzled when I’m outside with him, hear one make that familiar cooing sound, and respond in kind! We can go on like that for a long time, too.Thanks for some beautiful up-close and personal shots of this sweet-faced bird!

    1. You’re welcome, Debbie! It looks like there are lots of us mourning dove fans in the world! I admire your ability to coo like a mourning dove — what a treat that must be to communicate with them in their language. (I can’t imitate that sound!) I can just picture Monkey trying to figure out what you’re doing. 😉

    1. When I read your description of rosy-sand it dawned on me that my living room color scheme is very much ‘mourning dove,’ including hints of blue and pink!

        1. It sure does! How cool that you picked the paint color thinking of the mourning dove! I did something similar in the bathroom, matching the paint color with a print of a majestic stag.

  3. She’s beautiful! And obviously she knows it. What a model. We have a family-full of doves at our place and the soothing sounds they make are so wonderful. Thanks for sharing these photos!

    1. You’re welcome, Pam! How lucky you are to have a whole family of mourning doves to enjoy in your yard! I love their cooing and enjoy hearing the ones who come to our balcony and the trees behind our condo.

  4. I like them all Barbara but like you, #8 was my favorite. The #5 picture “looking out to sea” with the head swiveled out made me smile. What a patient bird posing like that … whenever I see a dove, it takes off right away. I wonder what I’m doing wrong?

    1. I doubt you’re doing anything wrong, Linda. Most of the doves I encounter don’t stick around long enough to get more than a quick shot, if that. The ones who land on my balcony railing seem more tolerant of humans, even friendly. This one really surprised me. The first time I changed position I fully expected her to fly away but she didn’t. I think my mother was sending me an encouraging message because I’ve been supporting my sister who is coping with a difficult health problem.

      1. Thanks Barbara – that makes me feel better. I try not to make any sudden movements that will scare the critters off. This dove was was meant to be there for you. I will keep your sister in my prayers.

  5. Oh, Barbara, these are beautiful! What a wonderful opportunity, so happy for you! She surely does look to be modeling for you, how sweet. Great work with all the angle shots! Well done!!

    1. Thank you, Donna!! I was looking for ducks and songbirds that day but we never know what unexpected treat will be waiting out there for us. 😉 It was fun moving around and having her watch me!

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