Two Mourning Doves

Bringing a message of hope

The Birds Caught My Eye

I was walking along the Delaware River this evening. The sun and the sky were a most amazing light show. I was taking pictures. Somehow my attention was drawn away from the beauty of the sky and the setting sun to two mourning doves. I have not had any luck getting good pictures of birds but for some reason I tried anyway.

It was interesting to me that the birds got my attention — I am more of a sunset person. I love birds too but, they just don’t trump sunsets in my book. So, I was thinking more about those two birds when I got home. I wasn’t even sure what kind of birds they were. I thought they were doves and I ended up being right but I did have to look it up (sunsets are my thing).

Eating Habits

The Cornell Lab is my go-to bird identification and fact finder. I was wondering about their eating habits. I found that they eat mostly seeds. They eat about 71 calories a day which is about 15 percent of their body weight.

Mourning Doves tend to feed busily on the ground, swallowing seeds and storing them in an enlargement of the esophagus called the crop. Once they’ve filled it (the record is 17,200 bluegrass seeds in a single crop!), they can fly to a safe perch to digest the meal.

Mating Habits

I find Birds and Blooms to have interesting information as well. I was wondering if the two doves may be mates. I found that if they were, they are monogamous and they mate for life. They also co-parent their babies. I always find these habits interesting to explore.

Symbolism

My curiosity most often takes me to symbolism. From the beginning of time, people have believed in symbolism in relation to animals. I am more familiar with the white dove — peace, and love —when they are released during weddings and other such occasions. I found that the mourning dove is also known as a symbol of hope.

The message of love, hope and peace is often conveyed in the appearance of a mourning dove. The mourning dove might be sent to you during a time of crisis. You may be suffering through grief, or you may have emerged from grief. S. Painter

What a time to experience a visit from two mourning doves. The COVID-19 vaccine has just offered us a little hope. We can see ourselves beginning to emerge from the period of grief we have all been experiencing. When I realized the symbolism of this encounter, I wanted to share it. I am sending hope your way!

Here are two other stories I have written about hope. It is much needed in these times!

And one other story of fun bird facts!

Thanks for reading! I hope you find birds…and special meanings everywhere you go!