During the Spokane Christmas Count a couple of other birders and I saw a
Eurasian Collared Dove. It was sitting on a power line in a residential
area. We noted the field marks that separated it from a Ringed Turtle Dove,
made a note of it, and agreed we weren't too concerned about how the sighting
would be treated by compiler(s). There was little doubt in our mind at the
time that the bird was an escapee. I was under the impression that the
species was expanding its range rapidly in the Southeast, but had not been
seen anywhere near here as a wild bird. Last night I learned that a recent
issue of Birder's World magazine featured the species, and if my information
is correct has been recorded in both the Dakota's, Montana, and Oregon.
Apparently the Oregon record has been accepted. So now I am wondering if we
might have seen a wild bird, and if I should send a report in. Anyone out
there have more info and/or comments on the situation?

Mark Houston
Spokane