Zenaida Macroura - Blog Posts
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), taken April 1, 2025, in Georgia, US
Preening time! This dove sat and preened vigorously for several minutes, likely staying pretty for his partner! I love seeing the doves all puffed up like this. The local pairs will often sit in the morning sun all puffed up and warming up for the day—their little morning date :)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), taken March 21, 2025, in Georgia, US
A lovely dove cooing into the evening sun. Someone was on the other end of their song, likely a partner, and I could hear them calling back. Not only is this dove's call very calming, but—when you can find them—they're interesting to watch while calling! You can see in the second photo this dove puffing its neck feathers up and tucking its head in to call. It was both holding a conversation and keeping an eye on me in case I got any closer—professional multitasking!
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), taken March 7, 2025, in Georgia, US
Just a nervous guy looking for seeds under the feeders. Surprisingly, he was one of few who didn't take off when I initially went outside to find my spot, so I was actually able to get decent dove pictures for once. Most of them involved him peeking his head above the rocks to look at me like in the second photo, though!
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), taken June 28, 2024, in Georgia, US
Pondering, I believe. Sometimes life is just sitting on the edge of the bird bath and overlooking the koi pond a few feet ahead.