Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Beavercreek, Ohio
"Some things just don't need any words.” - Anthony T. Hincks
This image was captured right around the time of sunset, the beautiful golden glow of light as it traveled slowly down the tree. I had this mourning dove in my frame of view and at the perfect moment seemed to turn its head and look in my direction. The glowing patch of light centered on this side of the face is what makes the image work for me. "The Golden Hour" is a magical time to be out with the camera. In this case, the dove is perched on a Crab Apple (Malus spp.) tree, expect to observe them year-round around the backyard.
Their name is derived from the mournful cooing their bird call makes. To the untrained ear this call may be mistaken for an owl's. I find them rather skittish and cautious of humans moving around them. Compared to other songbirds, doves tend to be larger in size and exhibit beautiful colors. They are not dull looking, rather having a teal ring around their eyes, their pink-red legs, and several shades of taupe and beige under and around their feathers. You cannot simply dismiss a bird seen from a distance. All are amazing in their own way.
© 2018 Ryan L. Taylor Photography. All Rights Reserved.
2018animalanimalsbirdbranchdovelenslimbmacrouramourningmourning dovenatureperchedtamrontelephotowildlifewingsZenaidaZenaida macrouradusklightohiophotographyphotographerpictureavianbirdsbirdingbirdwatchingfeathersplumetuftcrestbeakssongsongbirdsvertebratescrab applecrabappleMalusMalus sp.deciduouscrab applesphotographvertebratepasserinepasseriformesbirdlife
From Songbirds
