Pair of Mourning Doves on lichen covered rocks – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had mere seconds to take this photo of a pair of Mourning Doves perched on lichen covered rocks on a desert cliff face in Box Elder County yesterday morning.
The male Mourning Dove is on the left and the female is on the right in this image. Male Mourning Doves have a bluish gray cap that extends down the nape with a rosy tint on the face, breast and neck. Female Mourning Doves have a more of an olive gray cap and nape with a brown hue on their faces and their breasts are more tan than rosy.
Though I saw quite a few Mourning Doves yesterday morning on my travels this was the only pair that I was able to get into my viewfinder to take photos of. As abundant as Mourning Doves are I don’t have as many photos of this species as I would like to have.
I find Mourning Doves in open areas of grasslands, deserts, foothills, city parks, roadsides, farm fields, and many other areas. I often hear these doves before I see them during their mating season.
While I found many other birds yesterday it was also a frustrating morning. Crappy light angles, distant birds, bad timing, not getting to the birds before they flew off and heat wave distortion were some of the reasons for my frustrations. Not every day in the field is easy.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Mourning Dove photos plus facts and information about this species.
Thanks for including that lovely call. Very unlike anything I have heard here – and for capturing (in seconds) these beautiful birds. I doubt that a day in the field is ever precisely easy for the photographer and I admire and am grateful for your persistence.
They say it’s quality over quantity and this is definitely a quality shot! I spend many happy moments watching Mourning Doves and listening to their hauntingly beautiful calls. They frequent our yard, roof, and patio furniture when I’m not fostering a dog.
Beautiful shot! I did not know that about male Mourning Doves– so that’s another field mark to look for.
For a split second “grab shot” that is a pretty darn good result. I have Mourning Doves in ny yard every day but now, thanks to you I may possibly be able to sex them. Altogether, a great way to start a Sunday morning.
Thanks for the descriptions between the male and female Mourning Doves. I thought both sexes were the same. Now I know. I will go back through my photos to have a look at them.