Overwintering mourning dove #phenology

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources informs us that "In winter mourning doves migrate south; however, some can be seen year round in southern Minnesota." We have never considered where we live to be "southern Minnesota." We're Northeast of the Twin Cities by about 35 miles or so.

mourning dove in Winter

Photo by J. Harrington

This morning, as we were sipping a much-needed cup of coffee, after clearing about 4 to 5 inches of snow from the driveway, augmented at the roadway with the town plow's cast-offs, we looked out the window and saw a mourning dove perched in a tree overlooking an almost empty sunflower seed feeder. (Based on the tracks in the fresh snow, the whitetail deer visited again last night.) After a few moments, s/he landed in the snow to feed n some dropped seeds but was promptly chased away by a red squirrel.

competition for the birds and squirrels

Photo by J. Harrington

We were unaware of any exceptions to the "mourning doves migrate south" status, at least in our next of the woods. Are we seeing another sign of climate disruption, with warmer Winters? Are more doves overwintering in the North Country due to an increase in bird feeders? We were lucky enough that this one stayed around long enough for us to get a decent photo, otherwise, we're not sure we would have shared the story. It might to readily have been filed under the heading of "fake news."

Mourning Doves

by

Patricia L. Goodman

The way they step from my deck,                                               drop, trust flight will break their fall. The way they seem content with scraps                                  that fall from other beaks, and strut, head bobbing                                  forward and back. The way he calls to her,                                 that plaintive voice pleading to be noticed, then watches her blend into the landscape,                                           greys and browns safe for nesting. The way, in autumn, they rise in clouds                                 from a cooling cornfield, their wings whistling                           as they fly, their name synonymous                                    with peace. From Walking with Scissors (Forthcoming from Kelsay Books).

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