Two turtle doves

I have to say up front that I don't really know if these are tourterelles (turtle doves) or not. There are so many variations in the pigeon/dove family that we find around here. If any of you recognize the exact variety, I'd appreciate a confirmation or correction.

Two birds on a wire outside our house.

Still, I have seen swans (a-swimming), geese (a-layin'), colly birds (blackbirds), French hens, and partridges where we live. If only I could get one of those last ones to perch in our pear tree...

Now, I know that there is controversy around this song. Four "colly" birds? I grew up singing "four calling birds." My research (such as it is) suggests that "calling" is a change from the original. Both terms supposedly refer to blackbirds which, in Europe, are known for their songs.

And what about that partridge in a pear tree? When I see partridges, they're on the ground, not usually perching in trees. Well, one explanation derives from the transformation of the song between French and English. Une perdrix is a partridge in French. It's pronounced pear-dree. So, one theory goes that "and a partridge, une perdrix" became "and a partridge in a pear tree."

And lastly, why am I talking about a Christmas song in mid-August? Well, the turtle doves showed up. It won't be long before the Christmas decorations make their appearance in your local department store. They may already be there.