Beautiful, crisp winter morning here in Mid-Michigan; the temperatures are actually above 20˚F. I admit the shift from negative temps to the current temperature actually makes the air feel warm. The wind has finally died down.  Of course, I know this is just the calm before the next snow storm.  But I will enjoy the “warmer” temps while they last.

Drinking my morning tea, I was able to watch all the different birds coming and going from the variety feeders I have set up in my yard.  I was impressed to see 15 Mourning Doves.  Most of these little doves were on my porch.  My porch is all opened with two different feeders.  Numerous seeds fall down unto the porch which the Mourning Doves love.

I decided to look up some quick facts about Mourning Doves to share with all of you.

• Mourning Doves actually go by other names depending on the area. Different names include Turtle Dove, American Mourning Dove and Rain Dove.  I thought those were interesting, I had never heard the name “Rain Dove”.
• Mourning Doves were once called the Carolina Pigeon or the Carolina Turtledove.
• Mourning Doves will stockpile seeds for later use. They actually plan ahead.
• The cooing which I love is done mainly by the male Mourning Dove.
• Mourning Doves will usually mate for life.
• When they sleep they actually put their head between their shoulders close to their body.
• Mourning Doves will lay two eggs at a time; the eggs will take two weeks to incubate.
• The oldest known Mourning Dove lived to be 31 years and 4 months.

Personally I just enjoy watching the doves especially first thing in the morning when everything seems quiet. Until next time……peace.