Mystery solved. Case closed!

For MONTHS now I've been hearing a coo in our neighborhood: a soft coo of an owl. That's exactly what it sounded like to me. Never being able to see what was making that sound, I just assumed the tiny owl was taking up his humble abode in our neighbor's tree.

But it was bugging me. I could never catch a glimpse of this little creature.

Well, the other day as I was walking out to my car, a dove flew right past my head making a horrible cawing noise. Definitely not a crow, but it sure sounded like one! He sat on our roof and watched me move things in and out of my car. That's when the coo started again! I immediately turned to face the neighbor's tree to see if I could see the owl. But noting that it was daytime, I started to second guess myself. WHAT THE HECK?! I looked up at the dove. The cooing continued, but the dove just sat there peacefully staring at me, beak closed, and not a care in the world.

.... So it wasn't him.... right?

Last night my Daddy and I were sitting on our front porch talking and enjoying the nice weather when the cooing started up again. The same dove was sitting on the lamp-post. Piece by piece, I figured maybe the owl was non-existant, and this little grey bird was the source of the beautiful coo. (however, his caw is just plain sad...)

Googling "Mourning Doves", I discovered my new little friend has been the source of the "mysterious cooing noise". This vid shows exactly what he was doing that day that he just stared at me... they DON'T open their mouths when they coo!

Anyway... I'm a nerd. But I love birds, so just bear with me...

*ahem*

0:17 seconds starts the coo

Ain't he CUTE?! He's my new little buddy.

So, in closing, just enjoy nature. There are so many beautiful things around us... take time to notice the birds and flowers. Heavenly Father has given us this wonderful nature for our pleasure and enjoyment! SO ENJOY IT!! :)