When I first spotted these Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) perched closely together on a branch yesterday morning, I immediately assumed that they were a couple. Are these really doves in love?
I have trouble figuring out the relationships among birds, because I have to judge solely on the basis of outward appearances. Come to think of it, I have the same problem with humans.
Friends or lovers? Who knows?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
They do look like a couple.
You and I, Dan, have a similar cultural perspective. What I have learned over time, though, is that things like personal space and touching varies among cultures and so sometimes cues can be misinterpreted, even more so when it comes to wild creatures. 🙂