by Pamela Neeley
This past Monday, at 6:30 pm, a large bird landed on the shepherd’s crook with an open seed feeder. It is very close to the living room window. This disadvantage is that it is backlit.
I spotted a large bird, navigating an unfamiliar branch – the metal shepherd’s crook – and processing how to get to the seed. Finally, after attempting various angles, he jumped down. I was successful in moving around in the house without spooking the bird, but not near my bird book.
With the help of a couple of books, I identified it as a White Wing Dove. I’ve not seen one before and I didn’t know we had them here. Estimating the areas from the range maps, Milam is right on the edge of the range.
Ten minutes later he/she is back sitting on a branch, eying the seed, and fifteen minutes have passed! As White Wing Doves enjoy small colonies, and are monogamous, I’m expecting his/her friends.
Nature Along the El Camino Real 
Nice sighting! I have never heard of them. Like a collared dove. But with a white wing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, and these are native. They used to be found only in the desert but have spread out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey, by the way, I’m also a technical writer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh that’s interesting! What’s your area of expertise or industry sector? I’m pretty much a generalist but these days I am doing a lot of conference, seminar and webinar reports.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been doing software training documentation for the last 20 years. Right now it’s for Planview products. I also blog a lot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had six White Wing doves this year. They love eating seed off the ground or on platform feeders but occassionally flew onto my hanging feeders (although they were really too big to stay on those very long). They are beautiful birds. Glad you got to see one in person.
LikeLiked by 1 person
(This is Suna) I’ve been seeing them by my horse pens but didn’t realize it was unusual. We have these guys, mourning doves, and Inca doves at my place.
LikeLike