New kid on the block

John reported the other day about a "giant" dove he had seen at the feeder, much bigger than the Mourning doves, or the Eurasian collared doves we see daily. Today I saw the culprit, and he is BIG. Even the good sized Quail look small in comparison.
After some scouting, I've determined it is a Band-tailed Pigeon, fairly common summer resident in this region - though we have not seen one before. It's cooing is often mistaken for that of an owl, says my bird book.
It's nice to see, but I hope he does not bring too many friends...