The True Afternoon Bird

Mourning Doves... I am never sure what to make of them. They're in turns gluttonous, eccentric, calm, excitable, and entertaining to watch. But what I do like most about them is what I liken to coffeehead-at-coffeehouse behavior. They gorge (on safflower seed), then sit about as if too heavy to take to wing. This mellow pair found a congenial sunny patch on the deck railing and ... perched ... for a long time. Certainly long enough to notice the photo op, grab a camera and move up for a good shot. This sort of thing goes on every afternoon around here, making this species the poster child for afternoons. Eat, doze, sun. That's the life!