Mourning Dove at Edgebrook Golf Course

Edgebrook Golf Course, Chicago, Illinois
East of Central, south of Devon, entrance just north of Chicago River

Wednesday, January 11th, 2006, 430pm

Tonight I was doing an errand that took me near the Edgebrook Golf Course parking lot on Chicago's northwest side, and I always go in if I have time when I am driving past to see if I can spot the large 14 point white-tailed deer buck and his group of does that I regularly see there.

There were no deer tonight. Everytime I seem them it amazes me that a group of more than 10 white-tailed deer can be right here in the city, so close to all that is so urban, including a buck that is so impressive. In Wisconsin, where I grew up, a buck that impressive would be a much sought after prize for the hunters I grew up with.

Tonight, all I would see was my first MOURNING DOVE (photo Matt Fletcher), bird #16 of the year, and bird #6 for Illinois. It is easy to spot Mourning Doves here, as there is nothing else quite like them. Not so in the south, but here, even seeing one in a tree top, and then watching it fly to the ground at a distance without field glasses is an easy ID. Besides, I know I will see them again in my yard on the ground below my feeders. Beside my European House Sparrows, they are my most regular visitors. Hey, at least I don't have Pigeons...at least not yet. My latest bird:

#16 MOURNING DOVE