Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is the most common dove in
North America and you can find them always perch on telephone wires, on top of the roof or forage seeds on ground. The first time caught my attention was not seeing them but hearing their unique calls, sounded like "ooo-woo, woo-woo-woo" cooing in the early spring. Later I learned that their wings make this unusual whistling sound when taking off or upon landing. One thing they like to do the most is to roost on my deck or near by trees. They seem to find peace and comfort around my presence, or vice versa. Unfortunately, having good time of roosting and napping also makes them become the primary target of dangerous hawks, especially Cooper's Hawk!
(Click photo to enlarge)What can I say... Everyone needs to put food on table, there is no exception for wildlife. This dove ran away for her life. Not only did I preserve her image, she escaped hawk's talons. Soon I will hear them cooing and singing and new generation starts! -- Happy Birding! -- Linda