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The Dove - A Special Symbol


The Dove - A Special Symbol
Photo Information
Copyright: Anna Eksteen (Miss_Piggy) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2285 W: 5 N: 5300] (18714)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-12-31
Categories: Birds
Camera: Sony Cybershot DSC H9, Digital ISO 100
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/640 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Doves and Pigeons, Birds of Africa, Pigeons and Doves, Different Birds, Dedications at TrekNature Part Three, Birds of South Africa 2, Peace and Love, Animals from my garden [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-01-09 9:09
Viewed: 12872
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 86
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Red-Eyed dove / Streptopelia semitorquata

I think this dove knew I wanted to take a special photo which I could post on Trek Nature. Once we (Loot and I) realised that it came out pretty well we decided to use it as a "Happy New Year" card for friends and family. But I also decided that I want to dedicate it to all the beautiful people of Trek Nature who gave me such a wonderful welcome with my first posting and straight away made me feel at home. You are a great bunch.

The dove as a symbol of love
The dove has been long admired for being a symbol of peace, it is also a messenger of deep symbolic love. Slavic legend states that upon dying, the soul is transformed into a dove. In Hinduism the dove is an emblem of the spirit, and the infinite capacity the spirit has for love. In Greco-Roman mythology, the dove was a sacred creature to Aphrodite/Venus. Aphrodite was the goddess of love. She kept a dove as a pet. The dove became a symbol for love Ancient Jewish practices permitted the dove to be sacrificed as a love gift which signified the purification of a new mother after childbirth. In the West, the dove (as well as turtledoves) symbolise love and are frequently seen in wedding traditions.

Christians used the dove to symbolise the Holy Ghost. Artists often paint a dove above Christ's head.

The dove as a symbol of peace
More recently, the artist Pablo Picasso used a dove to symbolise peace. His painting of a single dove became famous all over the world when it was used on a poster in 1949. The poster was for the World Peace Congress. The words on the poster are written in French.

The dove shows up in other paintings by Picasso, too. In one, a little child gently hugs a dove. The colors in this picture are mostly cool blues and greens. It makes you feel peaceful. This picture is called "Child with Dove". Source

Red-eyed dove
They are well known for their familiar, repetitive "KOOkukooROOkuku" call. The alarm call is a "chwaa". They commonly inhabit large trees in the dryish bushveld and also in the moister parts of Southern Africa where they adapted well to town gardens and open parks. They spend most of their time pecking up berries and fruit high in the leafy treetops unless they are feeding on the ground. They come readily to seed put out at feeding stations, but are unwillingly to perch on a feeding tray for any length of time.

The Red-eyed dove is a little bit bigger than a starling. The height of the Red-eyed dove is about 33-36cm and its weight is about 250gm. This bird has normally proportioned leg length. The male and female Red-eyed doves have the same plumage and colours.

The most nervous of all the 'collard' doves, always wary and suspicious, the Red-eyed dove is also as a rule, less gregarious than other doves. They will however, feed in company with Cape Turtle doves or Laughing doves.

These birds are heavy but strong fliers, looking rather like miniature jumbo jets as they come into land. As they fly away, the grey tips to the tail feathers immediately distinguish them from other grey doves of similar size.

Like most doves, the Red-eyed dove nests at any time of the year. The female sits at the nest site while the male collects sticks and roots, which he presents to her for building. The small platform that results contains a clutch of two white eggs. Both sexes incubate for about 17 days and then feed the chicks for ±20 days before they are able to fly. The young birds differ from their parents in that they have buff edges to their feathers, and no black collar. From: Animals of the Kruger Park and Lowveld - By Heritage Publishing.

Names of this avian species in other languages
Xhosa ......... Indlasidudu/Umakhulu
Zulu ........... iHophe
Afrikaans ..... Grootringduif
German ....... Halbmondtaube
Portuguese .. Rola-de-olhos-vermelhos
French ........ Tourterelle à collier
Dutch ......... Roodoogtortel Source.

I hope you enjoy looking at this photo as much as I took pleasure in taking it.
jusninasirun, Alex99, haraprasan, Ishi, jaycee, Luis52, livios, manyee, rcrick, smitha, sandpiper2, marhowie, Aaltjie, earthtraveler, Silvio2006, spalaxtr, Adanac, marieproue, jcoowanitwong, Ena, ellis49, Dyker, pilonm, loot, SelenE, goldyrs, CeltickRanger, boreocypriensis, maurydv has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Anna,
Perfect dove against the blue sky. Love the clarity and details with that thing on the beak. Brilliant shot!!
Regards,
Jusni

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4072 W: 133 N: 7096] (23735)
  • [2008-01-09 9:17]

Hi Anna.
Amazing picture of this wonderful dove. I like this species so much and you managed to create a really poetic skill image of the bird. Sharpness and details are fantastic. Colours are superb and exact. Shot is composed brilliantly. Crop is very impressive. Bravo and my best wishes.
Alexei.
P.S. See you in a few seconds again.

Hi Mrs. Eksteen,
A lovely capture of this dove. Very good composition with clear blue color in the BG. Lovely focus and it is brilliant on the eyes. Thanks a lot for sharing.

  • Great 
  • Ishi Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 298 W: 21 N: 1943] (13387)
  • [2008-01-09 9:56]

Hi Anna,

Perfect picture of the dove. Next tim let it hold an olive branch!

Thanks for the note, too. The Hebrew name is Yonah. That's also the Hebrew name of the the prophet Jonah...

TFS!

Ishi

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1739 W: 224 N: 6872] (24909)
  • [2008-01-09 9:57]

Hi Anna,
now this is just fabulous!
I don't know how you can say you aren't a good photographer!
The timing to capture this dove with a twig in its beak is immense!
Very, very sharp with exceptional clarity.
Fantastic notes once again :)
I am now looking forward even more to your next post :D
Great Work Anna.
You have settled in to TN perfectly already.
Kind regards,
Joe

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2454 W: 10 N: 8044] (25460)
  • [2008-01-09 10:29]

Hi Anna,

A belated welcome to TN. A beautiful picture of this dove that looks very much like the ones we have in Arizona. A fantastic pose with the twig in his beak. Beautiful colors and fine details - I love the eye! A wonderful blue sky to show him off very well.

Jane

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1175 W: 8 N: 4240] (15809)
  • [2008-01-09 10:38]

Hi Anna. Great image. Nice and sharp. The symbol of peace. I do like this Doves, they are very friendly and have nice colors. I have one here too.
Saludos Luis52.

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2883 W: 30 N: 9683] (36145)
  • [2008-01-09 11:38]

Hi . Going to be late home from the office tonight so just a note for now to say great shot .well done TFS.
Nick..

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2008-01-09 12:49]

Hello Anna,
Excellent photo of this Dove. Very detailed focus with wonderful natural colours. Great composition. Amazing blue BG.
Regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • Nilson Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 488 W: 0 N: 566] (4423)
  • [2008-01-09 14:26]

Exelente foto uma técnica muito boa nitidez e cores agradaveis meus parabéns e seja bem vindo.
Nilson

  • Great 
  • livios Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2150 W: 319 N: 4263] (16942)
  • [2008-01-09 18:53]

Anna, a really clear blue sky.

Besides, I also enjoy composition and sharpness, as well as composition.

The "prize" in the beak is a great bonus.

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3089 W: 230 N: 6774] (23770)
  • [2008-01-09 20:53]

Hello Anna,
I really enjoyed this dove on your greeting card,
and what a treat to see it again here on TN.
A stunning portrait of this beautiful bird with the twig in his mouth.
It looks fantastic against that great blue sky.
TFS. : )

Hi Anna.
A lovely capture of this Red-Eyed dove, wonderful natural colours and excellent detail in the plumage, that sky is amazing, beautiful eye catch and very well framed, all the best Cheers Rick :)

Hello Anna,
Beautiful image of the dove taking a tight rope walk. Is it taking the twig home for his wife to build nest? Perfect timing to capture it with the twig in its beak. Good focus,excellent sharpness and details. Beautiful blue sky as the background.Good composition too. Looking at your photos I can't believe you when you say you are no expert.:)
Looking forward to more of your gems,
Thanks and Regards,
Smitha.
P.S: We call birds "Pakshi" and Doves "Praavu" in Malayalam.
In Hindi it is "Chidiya" and "Kabootar" respectively.

Hi Anna

don't know why you've been reluctant to start shooting earlier, you clearly have a talent, and also a good teacher in Loot, your a lucky couple.
POV is great, the twig in the bill is iconic and the blue shy gives teh perfect background.

Chris

Hi Anna,
Exemplary notes..Loot must be your editor? ;}
Well exposed with nice color & details..
The twig in it's mouth adds well to the symbolic imagery, it's bringing peace to the world in 2008.
We can only pray.
Howard

Dear Miss Piggy
I was privileged to receive a New Years card with this Dove on it. You could not have made a better decision using this on the card. The lovely blue sky and the branch in its beak is the biggest attraction to this outstanding photo. If this is just point and shoot, I’ll also have to try it, because this is really good photography. Master Loot has taught you well. Upon seeing this photo I thought of the bible story of Noah and the ark and the dove that brought back the olive branch.That must of been an tremendous sight of relief for Noah seeing the dove returning on the second time with the leaf in in beak. I am sure you will go from strength to strength with this new venture of yours. Congratulations and very well done.
Kind regards
Aaltjie

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1137 W: 26 N: 3879] (13882)
  • [2008-01-10 8:50]

Hi Anna,
a very striking image, super clear and sharp against that blue sky with a great sense of character to it...if only he had an Olive branch in his beak, just to complete the whole thing ;o)
Very well done, a shot to be proud of!
Paul

Hi Anna, splendid symbol of love with wonderful contrast against blue sky, great details and excellent sharpness, very well done, ciao Silvio

Hi Anna,
Again a very high quality photo from you. Good notes too. TFS. Mustafa

Hi Anna,
Amazing, quels magnifiques détails, grande netteté et superbe prise avec cette branche dans le bec.
Thanks
Welcome on Tn
Marie

Hello Anna,
A wonderful red-eyed dove picture. Sharp focus and well illuminated picture. Lovely composition.
JC

Hello Anna

Sjoe, daardie blou lug is darem wraggies baie blou. Op my skerm is dit oorweldigend en absoluut pragtig. Die takkie in die bek is prysloos en die duif is voorwaar 'n puik uitbeelding. Die lig flikering of glanspunt in die oog is wonderlik. Die duif lyk so eg dat ek amper sy gekoer kan hoor. Miskien was dit nie my verbeelding en dalk was dit 'n regte duif wat buite gekoer het. Ek trek sommer net jou been. Die twee voëls wat jy to dusver gelaai het is werklikwaar so mooi en dit maak my dink dat jy eintlik 'n ou hand is met fotografie. Mense wat al jare lank mik-en-druk sal wat wil gee vir sulke pragtige fotos.

Groete
Rehanna

Dtill me Anna,
again a great shot, the dove stand out very well on this beautifull shot, lovely blue sky in background and excellent focus,
again a great cheer,
Pat

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1273 W: 1 N: 6188] (21378)
  • [2008-01-11 16:52]

Hello Anna,
Beautifully sharp and colorful image of this high wire act. All that was needed is an olive branch. This is a splendid image Anna, great job.
Rick

  • Great 
  • Ena Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 324 W: 61 N: 594] (2454)
  • [2008-01-13 3:41]

Hi Anna,
Beautiful shot!
Very nice BG and good focus!
TFS
Regards
Ena

  • Great 
  • betsie Gold Star Critiquer [C: 180 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-01-13 22:52]
  • [2]

Hi Anna
Mag die simbool van die duif soos jy dit hier uitgebeeld het spesiaal vir jou en jou gesin wees. Ek wens julle vreugde, liefde en voorspoed toe vir die jaar wat voorlê.
Liefde

Hi Anna,
a beautiful picture pf the dove who look balancing on the wire.
The picture is well exposed with very good shapness and fine detail.
The bird standout well against the blue sky.
Well done.

Thanks for your very kind words of my last postings.
If Loot out from the Dog box yet? ;-)))
Gert

Bellissima foto con dettagli superbi e bellissimi colori: complimenti!!!

Ciao e grazie, Emanuele

  • Great 
  • EOSF1 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1393 W: 119 N: 5267] (23955)
  • [2008-01-14 11:05]
  • [+]

Hello Ana, the portrait of the Dove is very well done. The composition and the technique are fine and the sky is fantastic ! Well done, thanks !

Mario

  • Great 
  • Dyker Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 136 W: 0 N: 57] (170)
  • [2008-01-16 0:16]

Hello Anna
The purity and the beauty of innocence well photographed and displayed in this peaceful looking dove. An excellent moment you caught with good timing to get the bird with the branch in its beak while doing a balancing act on the tight rope. Spectacular colours, not just in the sky, but also on the dove. The details also show up very lovely focus. Sorry for being a bit late, I almost missed this beauty.
Greetings
AC

Ps. I loved the great notes.

Hello Anna !
This is one wonderful picture ! The dove looks very beautiful, and I must admit I had never seen this species in real - the ones we see in Alsace look very different. Excellent sharp details, natural colors, excellent composition, and the sky makes a splendid blue BG. I also like the little twig that the dove has in her beak, and it is nice to see that you added the french name in the note ! :-) Very well done !
Valerie.

Hello Anna,

What a great post to begin the new year with bringing a great wish of peace around the world through TN :-)

Good focus and nice bg... The only thing is the lowered POV but you can't always choose it!

Wish you Health, Happiness and Peace to you and your familyu for the following year :-)

Cheers!

Michel

  • Great 
  • loot Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5524 W: 722 N: 4163] (11276)
  • [2008-01-22 7:18]
  • [3]

Hi Anna

Another one I've slipped. Maybe because I'm in part involved with your photos I tend to overlook the fact that I could or should post a critique. Sorry, can I come out of the dog box now?

I've said it how many times and I'll say it again. This is one heck of a lovely shot. The sky does it in style, the branch adds to it with a dash of charisma, the clarity of the eye with the beautiful highlight enhances it, while the overall neatness and technical superior quality underlines it. This is by far the best tight-rope balancing act I've ever seen.

Excellent work and TFS.
Regards
Loot

Hello Anna! Amazing pigeon! Amazing point of view. Beautiful lightness and sharpness. Wonderful background. Very good shot. Well done!

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-02-09 18:58]

Hello Anna

A lovely bright image of this dove,it is similar to our Mourning Dove.
The blue sky is wonderful and really makes a beautiful BG.
Excellent POV and DOF.
The plumage shows well,with excellent feather definition.
TFS

Rob

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2249 W: 65 N: 4205] (13972)
  • [2008-02-26 3:33]

Hi Anna,
This dove looks great against the clear blue sky. I liked the light, pose you captured, POV, composition and the details. TFS
Best wishes,
Selen

Anna,
Every shot of yours is so exquisite!Excellent shot ,very sharp and perfect exposure!
Cheers!
Goldy

hello Anna

lovely shot of this lovely bird, excellent POV, lovely blue sky,
excellent sharpness and details of the plumage, lovely soft colours,
excellent luminosity of the image, lovely cacth-light at the eye,
and i love to see the little branch on his beak to the constrcution
of his nest, TFS

Asbed

Hello Anna,
Very sharp photograph of the dove taking a tight rope walk in balancing act. Great POV & sharpness. Eye intoto is well focused. TFS.
Regards-Subhash

  • Great 
  • foozi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2791 W: 0 N: 6696] (25839)
  • [2009-07-30 2:58]

Hi Anna,
very sharp indeed. The captured image is really a symbol we usually see. Well presented too in a very sharp and clear detailes of the dove. I like the blue sky that acts as the background. Very enhncing and very beautiful.

Regards,
Foozi

Hi Anna,

what an impressive shot a symbol of peace and love.
Everything from colour to composition looks excellent, such a high quality and striking looking image.
TFS and cheers,

Bayram

Hallo Anna,
a very beautiful picture of this Dove taken with very good sharpness in a lovely pose against a splendid blue sky, excellent POV showing this acrobatic bird in a nice composition.
TFS
Best regards
Maurizio

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