Baby Doves are here

[DoveWatcher]

Just wanted to share a few pictures of my mourning dove nest ... first baby hatched yesterday, second one came today. And the first picture is Daddy on the nest today, he is just gorgeous, isn't he?

[DoveWatcher]

Baby doves, Day 2-3. Dad flew off the nest but then circled the house chirping away, I took these pictures quickly and then Dad was back on the nest before I came back inside.

They are growing! And looking more like birds everyday. They're almost cute now!

Mom was on the roof across the street watching ... perfect view of the nest. I really love these mourning doves, this is such a great experience o:)

[Disneynut1973]

What beautiful birds they are. I always think chicks are cute how can they not be |:d|

[DoveWatcher]

First time I've seen Mom and Dad on the nest together ... it's a family affair :)

[DoveWatcher]

I can't believe how much they've grown in one day!

[Enji]

Sweet pics with the birds amongst the flowers! :)

Those doves are beautiful. Not very good nestbuilders though, that nest seems to be as rickety as the nest our European doves and pigeons build. Take a few twigs and put them down, finished... ;)

[DoveWatcher]

Yes, but they picked a great place to build a flimsy nest :) I think they're going to be fine. And I think they'll be back. Mom is very comfortable where she is, not much rattles her. I can even water the plant with her in it, she doesn't budge (just enough to keep the plant alive).

I'm very careful not to disturb them too much. I take one picture of the babies each day and then whatever photo ops I can get from a distance.

The only thing I'm really worrying about is when they fledge. I understand they spend 3 days on the ground before they really start flying. I'm worried about the neighborhood cats. I might have to get me an AK47 squirt gun :t:

[DoveWatcher]

Day 4 and 5! These babies are just beyond precious! And another pic of mom and dad on the nest together this morning, seeing quite a bit of that lately. Haven't seen them feeding their babies yet though ... still waiting for that pic!

[DoveWatcher]

Day 5 and 6. Eyes are opening! And they love their daddy :t:

[DoveWatcher]

Day 6 and 7. We have feathers! And wings o:) Affy's eyes are all the way open now. Dad spends a lot of time feeding, he's very busy in the nest and I would love to get a video but as soon as I get near, he stops and covers his babies. But he didn't fly off the nest today, he just moved over a bit for the photo op ;) They are so sweet!

[DoveWatcher]

Wow, we have a very busy nest today! Babies are spreading their wings, Daddy is very busy looking after them - he's going to sleep well tonight when Mom takes over :) And they are both preening now. It's a beautiful day to be a bird!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIYlIcCSRUk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md9hYl6uHfw

[smallonion2]

hey dovewatcher - How do you know which one is mom and and which one is dad? Also, is it worthwhile to put up a mourning dove basket in the yard?
thanks for the photos - I'm a real dove fan, too.

[*Amber*]

They are absolutely gorgeous!