One of the frequent visitors to my bird feeder is the Eurasian Collared-Dove, a striking bird with a distinctive collar of black feathers around its neck.
Unlike many other birds that perch on nearby branches, the Eurasian Collared-Dove tends to feed mainly on the ground, making it difficult to get a photo I like. I managed to capture an image of one of these doves as it fed underneath my feeder, just a few feet away from where I was set up.
One interesting fact about the Eurasian Collared-Dove is that it is not native to North America, but was introduced to the continent in the 1980s. Since then, it has become a common sight in many parts of the United States, particularly in urban and suburban areas.
In addition to its striking appearance, the Eurasian Collared-Dove is known for its distinctive cooing call, which is often heard throughout the day. This vocalization is used to communicate with other doves and to establish territorial boundaries.
All in all, I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to observe and photograph these amazing birds in my own backyard. The Eurasian Collared-Dove, with its unique behavior and stunning appearance, is just one of the many natural wonders that make wildlife photography such a rewarding pursuit.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
I photographed this Eurasian Collared-Dove from inside my pickup parked in my driveway. I had my camera and lens resting on a beanbag draped over an open window.
- Location: Lavaca (Arkansas)
- Date and Time Taken: March 13, 2023 (11:17 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/2500
- ISO: 640 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: -1/3 EV
- Focal Length: 500 mm
I know that some people don’t like this species because it was introduced, but I do! I love this ground level view of the dove.
Thank you! So do I!