On this chilly spring morning, I am sharing a curbside Mourning Dove that I photographed at one of my local parks three days ago when it was warmer. It might snow here in northern Utah today and turn to rain later this afternoon. Utah has crazy spring weather.

Curbside Mourning Dove adult, Salt Lake County, UtahCurbside Mourning Dove adult – Nikon D500, f8, 1/320, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I guess there are people who wouldn’t photograph an urban dove, let alone share the photos and write about a city bird. I’m not one of those people. Never have been, never will be.

What makes this dove worthy of photographing and sharing the story behind it?

Put simply: This Mourning Dove is a bird.

That is all it takes for me to focus on a bird through my viewfinder, take photos, and share the real stories behind my images.

Whether other people think what I write about this bird is worthy or interesting isn’t my issue or concern.

When I look at this dove photo, I see a bird species that is thriving despite the buildings, the human-caused issues of noise and habitat destruction, and the intrusion of our own species into their world.

For a while, I was concerned that the non-native Eurasian Collared-Doves might displace the smaller Mourning Doves here in the neighborhood. Thankfully, that hasn’t happened. The Mourning Doves are holding their own space in this city.

Looking at the dove photo again, I have to smile and think: maybe the dove was simply waiting at the curbside for a Lyft. That thought made me giggle.

Birds bring me joy, and it simply doesn’t matter to me where I find them. It could be in the wilderness, at a wildlife refuge, at a local park, or even at the city dump. I love birds.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Mourning Dove photos plus facts and information about this species.