Three's a Crowd

[kap55]

It seems there are a fair number of bird photographers hanging around this forum, so I thought I post these. I was sitting on my deck last spring and heard a real ruckus in the yard. My camera was right beside me so I took a couple of photos - but everything happened very fast and there was no time to properly setup and the photos seemed a bit soft. From what I could determine a pair of doves weren't happy when a third one tried to join their little party. At least I think they were doves (I'm no bird expert). Any clarification on the bird species or C&C on processing (including alternate processing) is welcome.

Brian

[Shadowman]

Good capture for a spur of the moment grab.

[Saorsa]

These look like one of the ground doves from the scalloped plumage on the neck. It's possible that the third is not an intruder but a young dove feeding from a parents crop.

You might find this article on pigeon milk interesting.

[kap55]

Thanks for the info on species Saorsa. I was pretty sure the third bird was the same as the other two, so your theory makes sense. For some reason the link to the pigeon milk article has gone astray. Edit - Sorry just found the link.

Brian

[Jim35010]

Good photos, spur-or-the moment is always best when you can get it. I try to carry a camera with me, but most of the time I seem to be a day late. Again enjoyed the shots.
Jim

[IzzieK]

Ouch! but good series shots!

[Downrigger]

Great! Hard to imagine doing better with lots of time to set up the shots. Three is a bad number for lots of things... seems like they put the eyelids up for serious biting. Overall, dramatic and interesting. Doves seems correct, but hard to be sure.