Guest post by Ed Dahlberg
When the sun hits these little creatures, the male’s head is brilliant purple as partially seen in the one photo. He also has a ‘mustache’ which does the same!
We’ve got a pair of these nesting in the Saguaro Cactus in the front yard. Noisy!
The very common Mourning Dove. Lot’s of folks travel to Mexico to fulfill their hunting pleasure. We have several pairs in Boise in the summer as well.
This is likely the Gambel’s race as it is the only one commonly seen in this area in the winter months.
-Ed
The Big Year 2021 
Love these, Ed! Amazing that the purple color is natural. Wow. David was telling us about Costa’s and to be on the lookout. Everyone will be very excited to see these! People really hunt mourning doves? – Blair
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Yes, I know of several people that go to Mexico to shoot doves…hundreds of them. The Mexican people take them for food so at least they get consumed and not wasted!
Hoping to take a trip to Patagonia, AZ in the next couple weeks. Supposed to be great birding!
Best
Ed
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Fantastic! – Dean
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So cool! That photo of the Costa is awesome! Also like the gila woodpecker! 🙂 – Alison
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Yes! That Gila Woodpecker is a species we might see at the Salton Sea this coming week. – Lynn
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