Utah Eurasian Collared-Dove

1.23.13     Sub-freezing temperatures are starting to feel normal, and today's high of 26 degrees seems almost spring-like!   We've been observing "some kind of dove" for a while, but today it stayed under the feeder long enough to get some really definitive views.  The Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), according to David Sibley, was introduced to the Bahamas in 1974 from Europe and Asia and has expanded its range northward and westward.  It apparently is a hardy bird, having survived recent temperatures. 
         The Short-eared Owl that I reported on a few weeks ago has continued to visit its rock ledge shelter on the northeast porch.  Dissection of two pellets revealed lots of mouse hair, bits of dried vegetative matter, and one object (at 30x magnification) that looked a whole lot like a tick.  I swept up after him this morning; the one pellet crumbled to dust and didn't allow any close inspection.  However, the quantity of scat would indicate that it is finding plenty to eat!