On December 14, Carl Smith was participating in the Bolivar Co. CBC, when he ran up on this jaw dropper. The bird was relocated by Don McKee on Wednesday and he has allowed me to post the following photos. Common Ground Doves, Inca Doves and Burrowing Owls all have been found in west-central Mississippi in the last few years but this takes the prize for most unexpected. I'm sure consideration will be given to its origin but it is still a great bird to have on a Christmas Count in Mississippi!

Gene Knight and Terry Schiefer looked for the bird Dec. 16 from 11 AM till 4 PM and I was there from 2 till 5. We had no success but it was drizzling rain and spitting sleet in the afternoon. Fortunately the bird was relocated and enjoyed by many other observers. Mike Todd and I caught up with the bird on the 19th.

The bird was south of Cleveland MS off of 446. Take 446 west from 61 highway at Boyle, 9 miles down 446 you will cross a bridge, take the first gravel road to the left. The bird was located both days about half way between 446 and the first house on your right.