About a week ago I discovered two young Mourning Doves under the shrubs in my garden. They just sat quietly unless I got closer than two or three feet from them. In the afternoon they would sun themselves on the concete wall. Periodically a parent would be watching from nearby. Mourning Dove chicks ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden ) I did some reading on-line and discovered that young doves fledge at ll-15 days but continue to be fed and cared for by the Dad until they are 25-27 days old. After a few days I saw the Dad come and feed them and that afternoon they were not there. I was sad they were gone because I had enjoyed watching them. The next morning I was happy to discover they were back. Pappa Dove ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden ) For the next five days, this pattern has continued. This is a collage of the weeks activities. ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden ) Stretching my wings ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden ) Today when the returned in the late afternoon they move to another part of the garden. I did not realize they were back and almost stepped on them. Startled they flew up into the dogwood tree. This is the first time I actually saw them fly. The usually just waddle away when I get too close. I CAN FLY!!! ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden ) I don't know how much longer they will be nesting in my garden but I have enjoyed having them.
What a lucky place for them to grow up, with all the flowers and birdbath. Thank you for posting this.
I really like the collage of photographs Gail. Young birds are fascinating to watch and the doves, obviously, know that your garden is the safest place for them to be.
What an enormously interesting presentation, Gail. I quite enjoyed this. How lucky you are to have these creatures in your garden so that you can observe them. This dove presence has provided an opportunity for you to learn more about them and for us to appreciate your eye for interesting fotos. Thanks loads for this display.
Thanks CM, Kaarma, Eileen and Sjoerd. It has been fun observing these young chicks and learning more about them. In the past they have not been one of my favorite birds. They are quite prolic around here and they tend to come in mass to the feeder area.
gfreiherr Great pic's. I love watching our doves also. They never seem to be the best parents thou and I often wondered how any of the chicks survived. But they do and those are two cuties. I to have had young doves around the feeder and it is funny to watch them try and figure out how to get too the bird seed. My mom use to live out in the country and she would often have as many as 50 morning doves under her feeder. I'm happy when we have 6 or 8 of them. I love how they coo.
Great photos and story. We have a pair of Mourning Doves that have been hanging around all year. I always make sure to put some seed on the ground for them because they seem to like it better than way than in the feeders.
The collage is a great addition Gail. What is it about watching birds going about their daily lives that interests us so much? I love it too
Hi Gail, lovely collage of pictures,..and interesting how you observed the goings and comings,..its always special to be a part of wildlife creatures,..being close to them and they trusting you,..well done again with the pictures.
