MOURNING DOVES in nest (Photo credit: DFWurbanWildlife.com)
And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
(Psalm 55:6)
Doves are known for their fluttering flight (Psalm 55:6a), and their peaceful disposition (Matthew 10:16); yet they are also known for resting upon their nests (Psalm 55:6b & Jeremiah 48:28).
As recently noted (see my previous Leesbird.com blogpost, “Bird Nests are Important — the Bible Says So”, posted https://leesbird.com/2023/09/15/bird-nests-are-important-the-bible-says-so/ ), bird nests are very important–to nesting birds, and even to God Himself, because God chose to refer to bird nests several times in Scripture.
And, to human birdwatchers–such as Dr. Bill Boothe–nesting birds are worth watching, and nesting birds are worth photographing, too, so that other birdwatchers can appreciate these precious winged wonders that God chose to create.
For a recent example, see the nesting Mourning Doves at the residence of Dr. William (“Bill”) Boothe. Now that’s a precious Mourning Dove family! (No “gutter-man” jokes here.)
MOURNING DOVE family in nest on gutter (photograph by Dr. Bill Boothe, used by permission)
Dr. Boothe reports that his Mourning Dove family now includes 2 babies—-how wonderful! Hidden in plain view are so many of God’s “wonders without number” (Job 9:10).
Mourning Doves have a habit of building their nests in sheltered areas, according to nest-building wisdom that God has programmed into them (see Jeremiah 48:28).
Of course, even when Mourning Doves are not seen, by humans, their mourning voices are often heard, which is how they got to be called “mourning” doves. Regarding how doves “mourn” (or “moan”), see Isaiah 38:14 & 59:11 (as well as Nahum 2:7 & Ezekiel 7:16). Providentially speaking, the doves’ mourning noises somewhat resemble the low hooting of owls, i.e., owls that prey on rodents—-rodents who are potential predators of doves—-so owl-like noises are an advantage to doves who benefit from scaring away hungry rodents. (See JJSJ, “The Ghost Army”, posted at http://www.icr.org/article/ghost-army .)
So, there you have it, hidden in plain view: Mourning Doves, in their own peaceful ways, just by being themselves, honor the Lord Jesus Christ, their Creator.
MOURNING DOVE on nest (photo credit: DFWurbanWildlife.com)
Finally my part of Texas is getting temperatures below 100 degrees Fahrenheit — so maybe the next weeks’ temps will keep dropping, to invite the “snowbird” migrants to fly south and become “Winter Texans” once again. But we have doves year-round; they are so flexible, adaptable, and resilient. Mourning doves, moreso than pigeons, are so serene and dignified — and the Holy Spirit assumed the form of a dove, at the Jordan River baptism of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17)! What an honor for such an honorable bird.
We’ve had two snowbird migrants show up this last week. The Bald Eagle has landed in his favorite tree that I can see from my back door and the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are arriving. Yeah!!
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 
Love this :) xx
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Thanks, Dr. Jim. We do get to see doves, but no nest to keep an eye on.
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Finally my part of Texas is getting temperatures below 100 degrees Fahrenheit — so maybe the next weeks’ temps will keep dropping, to invite the “snowbird” migrants to fly south and become “Winter Texans” once again. But we have doves year-round; they are so flexible, adaptable, and resilient. Mourning doves, moreso than pigeons, are so serene and dignified — and the Holy Spirit assumed the form of a dove, at the Jordan River baptism of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17)! What an honor for such an honorable bird.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ve had two snowbird migrants show up this last week. The Bald Eagle has landed in his favorite tree that I can see from my back door and the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are arriving. Yeah!!
LikeLiked by 1 person