Blue Jay in Winter

life_in_maine_bluebirdIt was a dark, snowy weekend. We had our usual visitors to our bird feeder: chickadees, junco, mourning doves, titmice, cardinals, and goldfinches. We usually do not have blue jays at our feeders, even though they are a common bird in Maine. These intelligent birds—they are a member of the crow family—have striking plumage in any season. If they were not so common, they would attract bird watchers from around the world. Click on the image for a larger view.

Our Mourning Doves

life_in_maine_mourning_doveIt has been a very long winter in Maine this year. The snow pack still covers our garden. The Mourning Doves, Zenaida macroura, have been sitting out on our deck whenever there is a glimpse of the sun.

The dove gets its name from its deep plaintive call—actually, I find the call rather calming and peaceful, more of a purring than a wail. Like our Chickadees, the Mourning Doves spend the winter with us. It is a rather timid bird and forages cautiously under our feeders. Click on the image for a larger view.