Puffed-Up Mourning Dove In San Juan Capistrano: Photo Of The Day

San Juan Capistrano CA

09 November, 2021

2:39 PM

Description

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Can you hear the birds singing, San Juan Capistrano? Resident photographer Kristine Erickson sure can. Erickson snapped this shot of a mourning dove in the middle of a mid-morning puff Monday, and we at Patch think this little guy is doing a great job ruffling his own feathers. Erickson saw the mourning dove in her backyard at around 10 a.m. According to Erickson, plenty of birds make their homes in her backyard trees. Erickson said the tree that this mourning dove was shot on is also the home to hummingbirds. However, the question remains: why so puffy? Apparently, one of the reasons male mourning doves puff up their chest feathers is to attract females in the early spring season. Considering that we are approaching the winter season, it may be safe to assume that this particular mourning dove was just saying "hello." Do you have a picture of your hometown you'd like to share with Patch? Send it our way for a chance to be featured on Patch's photo of the week. Email your favorite to your Patch Orange County Editor.