The "Not So Rare Dove"

   Earlier, I heard the familiar call of a white-winged dove.  Knowing these are rather rare around this area, I slipped out the front door in hopes of finding my bird.  Over the past few years, I have managed to get several photographs of the elusive birds which excited me.  Yep, I am a sucker for the rare visitors to the Bayou and will go to no ends to photograph them.  Let any unusual critter come and I am on a mission!

  From the calls, it was apparent that the bird was down the hill somewhere by the wild persimmon trees.  I eased onward trying to not call attention to myself by being abrupt.  Just meander and let the birds know there was nothing to fear.  Once I neared the marsh edge, I figured either I had missed the birds or they had flown.  Well, I would try again tomorrow.

  As I turned to head back inside, a whirring of wings told me that a dove had just taken flight!  Was this my white-winged dove?  Turning back, I found a mourning dove not the elusive bird.  This dove is one of many that call the place home and, also, one of many that does not have fear of humans.  How beautiful the bird looked against the overcast sky!  The dove and its surroundings were exactly the same color.  Wow!  A study in tan was set before me!  I stood in awe of one of our regular resident birds.  There was no need to be a rarity to be beautiful.  I was just as happy photographing this sweet friend.