As a bird photographer I continually struggle with the tendency to ignore the more common species. This is a bad habit I’ve tried to break over the years but my success has been limited so I still too often pass on opportunities with species like the American Robin, House Finch, American Coot and Mourning Dove. Many fellow photographers have the same tendency and I think we miss some wonderful shots as a result.
1/1000, f/8, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
Typically when I see Mourning Doves they’re in an urban setting that doesn’t much interest me but I found this bird on Antelope Island in morning light and with a clean, pleasing background. It even gave me some interesting poses on a natural perch that I like so I’m glad I gave this dove a chance as my photographic subject.
I’m not quite sure why my instinct regarding avian subjects seems to equate “common” with “less desirable”. Some of the more mundane birds are just as interesting and visually appealing as the less common or even rare species.
I’m also struck by the irony of my elitist attitude toward common species. If Mourning Doves (for example) were uncommon in my area I’d jump at the chance to photograph them. A bird photographer friend who lives in northern Alberta where Mourning Doves are seldom found once said about this image: “I see this species 2 or 3 times a season, usually at the top of an 80 ft high spruce… I would be all over this subject!”
Over the years I’ve made some strides in my efforts to treat common species more equitably but I still have a ways to go. Perhaps one day I’ll have the same enthusiasm for European Starlings and House Sparrows as my subjects as I do for Harlan’s Hawks or Mountain Plovers.
But I’m not there yet…
Ron
I guess when I was younger, you know, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I could argue that I was saving film. Now, I have no excuses. Going out tomorrow to photograph starlings, grackles and dove – oh, my.
Lovely… They are such a serene presence in my yard. Sitting quietly. This summer is the first time I noticed the beautiful mint color around their eye.
Common just means that the species has persevered despite us humans. I think of that as admirable!
Lovely capture, I do the same with wildflowers.
It’s subtly beautiful bird and image. I agree that we all tend to ignore the common species.
I like this, and it is worth it to record the behaviours, something that you are so good at.
I ooh and ahh at the less common birds, but have noticed that the more often I watch the ‘common as muck’ varieties the more I see. And am grateful to both for the magic they bring to each and every day. And I find the juxtaposition of wild wonder in the suburbs fascinating too. And reassuring, that our influence isn’t always for the bad…
Great capture Ron! The background can’t get any better. You are right on target with the “less desirable” but they can be captured in a special moment as you showed us here. I was involved in a work program last year and was in Romania, not many birds around there. One Saturday morning I took a walk to the local park with camera in hand, stumbled upon a Eurasian Dove building a nest. Not once did I think this bird was less desirable while it flew back and forth with small twigs in it’s beak. At home, here in Florida, well they are everywhere and rarely will the shutter button get used on them. They are good for practice though…and yes, the hawks think their tasty at my feeders! 🙂
Mourning Doves are everywhere in SW Michigan… but they are uncommonly beautiful. Love your image.
Thank you, Nancy.
Where’s the other Dove? They are almost always in pairs.So wehre there’s one, their mate is somewhere close by. I have many morning doves in my Lancaster, PA yard. I also don’t take a lot of photos of them. However, I must say, they are one of the most photogenic birds! Most every picture I’ve taken of doves looks pretty good. Never as good as your photos. You are the master!!! Love your shot as always.
Ellen, I don’t recall another dove around when I took this shot but I do know what you mean about them often being in pairs. Or groups.
I love the subtle colors and sounds of these usually gentle birds…I say “usually” because we have “The Mean Mourning Dove”, a loner who jumps on other birds, doves included, fluffs up and raises his wings threateningly at them, and even scares the chipmunks and squirrels away from the seed spilled on the ground under our feeder. Actually you have probably photographed these birds many times, but can’t see them because, being popular prey, they are usually INSIDE the other birds you shoot. I love the pattern of the raised wing feathers, the spikey tail feather display, beady black eyes and the complimentary colors of that beautiful rock…the tiny patch of gray, green lichens adds the perfect final touch. RE: other common birds–I liked magpies, was amused by their antics and intelligence, but didn’t realize how incredibly beautiful they could be until I saw your photos of them. Taking and sharing pictures of these more common birds helps expand appreciation and respect for them.
I’ve seen some very aggressive behavior from Mourning Doves too, Patty – belies their reputation…
I like that you play with ingrained tendencies to enrich your appreciation. I often wonder what makes me take one thing for granted and eagerly pursue another. The rare bird or flower stirs my heart because it is ephemeral. And I encourage myself to view the more common sights as the equally fleeting phenomena they are in this floating world. You captured a lovely moment with the mourning dove, and I thank you because the sound of the mourning dove stirs wonderful memories.
I love their call too, Alison. I’m embarrassed to admit that for a long time, years ago, I thought it was some kind of owl making that sound…
Oh no! One of those yellow smiley faces. I didn’t intend that when I typed in my “homemade” smiley. Pardon!
I think we are genetically formed to attend to the uncommon. However, I will happily photograph a song sparrow on a nice perch/background. Which is uncommon here in PA. Beautiful shot of a dove in an interesting pose on a great perch, not to mention background. It’s all so unfair. 🙂
Kelly, it may or may not be genetic but it’s sure a common trait, isn’t it?
I like to see the more common species sometimes, like Magpies, Robins & Mourning Doves. Love those tail feathers. Beautiful pic & bird!
Deb, I would have included magpies in my list of common species that I ignore but they’re one common species that I do like to photograph.
Wonderful shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.