I mentioned last week that while we were on vacation a pair of Mourning Doves had built a nest in one of the planters we had hanging on the front porch. We never knew if there were eggs or how many there were because the mom and dad never left the nest. We just assumed that they were sitting on something important.
Paul took the impending birth in stride - we learned more about the mating habits of mourning doves than we ever wanted to know . . .
a pair of mourning doves may have 3 - 5 broods in a season . . .
eggs generally take 2 weeks to hatch . . .
mourning doves are unusual because both the male and the female take equal egg sitting roles - the female during the night and the male during the day . . .
mourning doves feed their young a food called pigeon milk (not really milk) that is created by glands in the crop of the adult bird. The parent opens its mouth wide, permitting the nestling to stick its head inside to feed on the nutritious food.
Ewwww
Frankly that last one was too much for me.
Paul checked on the nest everyday for any signs of action. To be honest it was dull watching in the extreme.
On Sunday I noticed that there was no parent present and it looked like there might be two babies moving about.
Once I had shared this information Paul watched the nest even more - making more trips to the recycling bin then every before - hoping to catch a glimpse of the new kids on the block.
Today when I came home from work I caught a glimpse of the proud parent sitting on two baby birds . . . cool.
Beckett is terribly excited by all of this - he sees dinner . . .
I say, turn Beckett loose and let Nature take Her course! (I really, really hate birds)
Posted by: sandrac | July 21, 2009 at 04:37 PM
I may have to dash to the bathroom I am laughing so hard.
If we did let nature take its course we might have bits of corpses to pick up - Beckett is known for leaving mouse heads on the bed and other wonderful tricks. I am not sure that I can handle that!
Posted by: JDeQ | July 21, 2009 at 04:39 PM
That's a great picture!
Posted by: Cindy Ruth | July 21, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Tell Beckett to get a grip on it. Those birds are too sweet for his savage tendencies.
By the way, I buy these tiny stuffed mice that about an inch long for my cats. They are the perfect size to fit in their paws and toss. They love them.
Posted by: kendall | July 22, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Is it appropriate to say congrats on the new babies? I hope they don't start pooping all over your porch;-)
Posted by: Rebecca | July 22, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Thanks Cindy.
We have been crareful to keep Mr Beckett in the house Kendall. To be honest he isn't sure what to make of birds - he only seems to go after mice.
Rebecca - not to gross anyone out but I'll need the powerwasher! Perhaps it is good fertilizer for the garden.
Posted by: JDeQ | July 23, 2009 at 08:28 PM
Jerry, that is a fabulous photograph. The flower looks like an Easter bonnet. Too cute.
Posted by: Gail Hecko | July 23, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Thanks Gail. Sadly the babies are all grown and gone now. It took me about a week to power wash all of the poop off of the deck! LOL
Rebecca was wise!
Posted by: JDeQ | August 16, 2009 at 08:13 AM