Another backyard classic that is a common sighting underneath a bird feeder. It doesn’t seem to mind keeping company with all the different sparrows and finches as it forages on the ground.

I had always dismissed the mourning dove as a bit of a boring constant that was quickly overshadowed by the chickadee or the cardinal. Its drab color and uninteresting behavior never really held my attention as a kid. Since then, I have learned to appreciate this bird. To me, it has a simple sort of elegance that makes a fine addition anywhere it goes.