My wife and I are wondering if you could identify the birds in the photo? – Jim Cooper, Saint JohnJim’s birds are mourning doves, smaller cousins of the more familiar rock pigeon. Fifty years ago mourning doves were a rare bird in New Brunswick but since then have gradually increased in numbers to the point where they are now widely established year-round residents. Like several other species these birds have extended their range to include the Maritimes because of the abundance of bird feeders and possibly, climatic changes. In the early years birds that tried to winter over often suffered frostbitten feet and it wasn’t unusual to see them with missing toes. However they seem to have adapted rather quickly and one seldom notices such injuries these days. – Jim Wilson