High Sierra Topix

For over a year or so I have heard several people in the Susanville area comment that they have seen a new bird in the area, and keying it out as the Eurasian Collered Dove. Their reports have all been discounted as a misidentification as this is well outside its previously mapped range.

I just spotted several in my yard. Put the picture of the similar ringed turtle dove alongside the Eurasian Collared and double check with the binoculars, and they are definitely the Eurasian.

I quickly checked with the Cornell web site. While on the computer my wife hollered at me they were mating! (along with some snide comment about "typical male, wants to do it even in the rain" ).

I've seen something too, at home and in Carson City.

They are in Lee Vining! They arived about 4-5 years ago, stay all year, and are now thick in number.

They are increasing in numbers all over the state. I think that last year the DFG began increasing the hunt limits on them just to try and control there spread some.

with Gary C's last post, it came to mind, who hunt's for whatever in the Sierras? just wondering, as i'll admit i do.

Russ

I hunt just about everything they alow you to in the Sierra. As for the doves......mom wont let us shoot them...I wonder how they eat....bigger than a morning dove which is great table fair. Im more of a chucker hunter than a dove hunter though.

Probably better for the recipe topix, but. Dove in olive oil and lightly peppered on the grill, very nice. If you slice the breasts (only part of the dove other than the leg/thigh meat that's big enough to use), either alone fine, or in a fine pasta stir with comparable veggies/spices, works. Try a precooked piece first to figure out how you want to compliment it.

If it's a DFG problem, it must become my passion.

Russ

I never came up with the money again, after I sold my shotgun and stereo to pay the well driller and electrician in the early 80's, so I could move out onto my property. Ever see a Dobie retrieve? They can learn.

Does this bird have any value for fly tying material?.... I'm just saying...

Yes....bird feathers work well for making up flies....I suspect the collar part would make good soft hackles.