Mourning Dove

Doves are so common that I often don’t pay attention to them. However, when you take a close look they are fascinating. Rich and surprising colors; take a look at the blue around the eye. There is gold, magenta, blue and even some green on that plump body.

The bird’s name comes from its haunting, mourning call. Many people mistake it for an owl.

I photographed this one this afternoon off the back deck at our house.