In the midst of all of the chaotic turmoil swirling in my country, I feel a need to post an image reflective of the inner peace that I am seeking at this time, a peace that seems so elusive during this challenging time. This past Monday I encountered this Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) as I was walking along one of the trails at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
The dove was part of a small flock that I inadvertently flushed as the birds were foraging on the ground. Most of the doves flew away, but this one perched in a nearby tree and I was able to capture this peaceful portrait.
Here in the Washington D.C. area we are all in mourning for those who died when a helicopter collided with an airplane over the Potomac River. I hope and pray that we all can use this time for support and sympathy for those who lost loved ones in the accident and not for launching accusations or blame on either end of the political spectrum. “To everything there is a season…A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4)
Best wishes to all for a blessed month of February.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Hugs!
Thanks, Jean.
A beautiful image and beautiful words.
Thanks, Laura. My heart is breaking over so much that is currently going on in this country and nature is becoming even more of a refuge for me.
Thank you, Mike, for the photo and for the thought.
Beautifully written and a perfect capture of the beloved Mourning Dove. Several Mourning Doves visit me throughout the day and two are often seen perched together. In some Native American tribes they are believed to be spiritual messengers of hope, healing and positive change. Also, as my Gram taught me, their presence can offer solace as a reminder that even in life’s darkest moments there is a glimmer of hope.
“Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.” – Emily Dickinson.
Thank-YOU, Mr. Mike!!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Benjamin, and for sharing those words of Emily Dickinson with me. I am holding on tightly to that hope, desperately believing and hoping that we will weather this storm. I like too what you have shared about the Native American tribes and their views on the mourning doves as spiritual messengers.
Such a terrible tragedy. A perfect picture for the times. x
💜