Eurasian Collared-Dove / Streptopelia decaocto

"With a flash of white tail feathers and a flurry of dark-tipped wings, the Eurasian Collared-Dove settles onto phone wires and fence posts to give its rhythmic three-parted coo. This chunky relative of the Mourning Dove gets its name from the black half-collar at the nape of the neck. A few Eurasian Collared-Doves were introduced to the Bahamas in the 1970s. They made their way to Florida by the 1980s and then rapidly colonized most of North America." From AllAboutBirds.

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eurasian_Collared-Dove/id

Yesterday, 25 September 2017, I spent the day with a friend, travelling south of the city to the Pine Coulee Reservoir and area. I absolutely love the rolling hills scenery in this whole area. I have still never driven it myself, as I know I could very easily get myself totally lost in the middle of nowhere. Most of the birds we saw were far away, needing Tony's spotting scope or at least binoculars, except for a Eurasian Collared-Dove, a Belted Kingfisher and several small birds. Meanwhile, I was enjoying the scenery and anything else that caught my eye.

We called in at the Pine Coulee campground and the Willow Creek Provincial Park campground and did a walk at each. Both were deserted and so peaceful. At the Willow Creek Provincial Park campground, the silence was broken by the call of a Belted Kingfisher. There was a bright yellow sign warning that there was a bear in the area, but it was nowhere to be seen.

The weather was perfect all day, starting off chilly, but getting up to about 20C in the afternoon, and a sky full of clouds. Thanks so much for the invite, Tony - much appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed! Pure luxury, too, not having to drive.

"Located 119kms south of Calgary. 9kms west of Stavely on road #527. Willow Creek Basin Southern Alberta. The campground is situated on the south west shore of Pine Coulee Reservoir and contains 25 campsites for both RV's and tents. Most of the sites are surrounded by willow bushes creating a wind break and some privacy. A few choice sites are located near the lake. Amenities include, group camping, fire pits but no firewood available, dry toilets, water, garbage bins, power, boat launch, and picnic tables. Pine Coulee Reservoir is excellent for water skiing, wind surfing and fishing. Due to the lack of lakes located near Calgary you can expect to see hordes of boaters here during the summer. Boaters should use caution near the southeast end, there are a several large rocks submerged just under the surface that have destroyed many props and claimed a life. The reservoir was created for irrigation and is approximately 18kms long. It holds strong Walleye and Northern Pike populations and there is a public dock located next to campground where you can sit and fish. You'll need a fishing license to try your luck. The well maintained grassy area in the center of the campground is a good spot for astronomers and star gazers." From AlbertaWow.

www.albertawow.com/campgrounds/Pine_Coulee/Pine_Coulee_Ca...

Taken on: September 25, 2017

Tags:

Alberta

Canada

Pine Coulee Reservoir trip

nature

wildlife

ornithology

avian

bird

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

Family: Columbidae

front/side view

black half-collar at nape of neck

perched

tree

branch

cones

outdoor

summer

25 September 2017

FZ200

FZ200#4

annkelliott

Anne Elliott

Sets appears in: • Pine Coulee Reservoir trip, 25 September 2017 • 2017, my most interesting photos more » • Pine Coulee Reservoir • Birds of Alberta 11 « less

Groups appears in: • Panasonic FZ series • PHOTOGRAPHERS OF CANADA more » • Birds , Birds Birds • #1 Nature & Wildlife Photographers' Corner • All things beautiful in Nature (no humans or man made objects) • Birding In The Wild • Birdshare • Webshots Community « less

Camera: Panasonic DMC-FZ200, f/4.0, 1/1250 sec, 108mm, ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Panasonic DMC-FZ200
Aperture:	f/4.0
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/1250)
Focal Length:	108mm
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Saturation:	Low
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Elements 12.0 Windows
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