Mourning Dove Cooing Sound - Extreme close-up! Did you know they make these haunting sounds through their nostrils? A gulp of air a big chest expansion and it comes out their nose. One of my favorite sounds in the Backyard this fellow gives us a rare closeup performance!
Classic Mourning Dove Cooing call. This Mourning Dove sings its song from a power pole for awhile. If you listen carefully you will hear another distant Mourning Dove calling in between his calls - not sure if they are communicating. Although not particularly loud - the call carries for a long distance. The sound comes from the puffed up lungs and the Dove puts its whole body into the call. You will also hear at least half a dozen other birds calling at the same time - notably an Eastern Towhee that is always showing off and cramping the understated Dove's style!
A flock of Common Grackles calling noisily starts to settle into an isolated bare deciduous Chinese Tallow Tree to roost for the night, but then think better of it. The American Robins and Mourning Doves lower in the tree ignore the panicky grackles and stay put.
This unique invasive deciduous tree is a magnet for birds - more on this tree in the future!
Mockingbird Contrasted Against Developing Storm Clouds
Big storms moved through central Florida Sunday. This Mockingbird in the backyard was high on a Loquat Tree preparing to feast on ripe fruit, but seemed to be more interested in watching the ominous clouds roll by. Mockingbirds and other birds do not sing in advance of an approaching storm. They know what to do. The difficult lighting provided an interesting contrast of bird and sky making the Mockingbird look more like a shadow-figure animation. Shooting in perfect weather and light does not always convey all the mysteries of nature. A good birder should be able to ID birds in profile!
