High-Altitude Munching

At any given moment, I can look out our window and see mourning doves wandering around the backyard, heads bobbing as if in deep thought.  Being ground-feeders, it’s common to find them under the hanging bird feeders pecking away at the scattered seeds.  There are, however, some who like to buck the system… they seem to prefer the challenge of a vertical meal.  It must take a lot of effort and concentration to flap upwards several feet and land (usually with a thud) onto the undersized feeding tray suctioned to the glass.  Rarely do they land gracefully, but they seem pleased once in place.  I imagine they boast to their friends afterwards.