Week 4: Just a bit of melancholy - the Mourning Dove

Week 4:  Mourning Dove
I spotted a brood of doves sitting high on some power lines as I rounded my street for my Monday morning walk.  Not sure what I was seeing at first, I kept going and a little lady rustled around in a nearby tree as I was making the turn off my street.  " Pick me" she communicated. After investigation, it became apparent, that both the power line birds and the female rustler were Mourning Doves.  I had never realized that these doves have a blue, almost turquoise ring around their eyes that is breathtaking. Many people are soothed by the 'mourning call' doves make.  This call is the male wooing his mate.  The sound is described as peaceful and a bit melancholy by many backyard bird watchers.  Why is the sound of "mourning" peaceful? Is it because we all have something to mourn about in one way or another? Whether a past sadness,  a regret, a future worry, or a state of discontentment,  The dove sings what we are feeling but maybe don't want to admit. The mourning call brings peace because it is awareness and an acknowledgment of sentiment without the trouble of having to hash it out or get to the bottom of it. The dove's call allows us to say " yes, that is there, yes I feel that" and then move on with the day. Acknowledgment gives freedom and there is peace in freedom.  Thank you Mourning Dove for doing the work and allowing the bystander to have a little peace and a bit of weight released.  
Love,
the birds and me


 

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