Earlier this afternoon I went out front of my townhouse in northern Virginia to plant a few things. While I'm out there a female mourning dove appeared on my front walk way while I wasn't looking and 5 hours later she hasn't left. What's odd is that I was able to get within a foot or two as I'm going in and out and she stays put. I've left her alone as much as I can, except when I needed to walk past her and this evening I put a bowl of water and a bowl of bird seed out in the yard near her. She ate some seed, not sure if she drank any water. It's coming up on 6 hrs and while she's walked around a bit, she hasn't gone more than 4 feet from where I initially saw her. It's getting dark and last I saw here she was sitting under a bush right next to our front walk.
I read the thread below this one about an overly friendly bird that may be a juvenile and not afraid of people yet. I don't think this mourning dove is a juvenile, but I don't know for sure. I haven't seen her fly at all. She's spread her wings a couple times and in my lay opinion they looked to not be damaged but I'm really not an expert.
Should I be concerned for her or try to get her to a wildlife vet or something? Having her there doing her thing while I do mine is very cool I think, but it's just such odd behaviour for a wild bird that I'm worried she might need help. Any thoughts anyone?
Tl;Dr: a dove has been sitting on my front step for about 6 hours, hasn't moved far from there at all, even when I walk past her. Should I try and get her to a wildlife vet or someone like that
I read the thread below this one about an overly friendly bird that may be a juvenile and not afraid of people yet. I don't think this mourning dove is a juvenile, but I don't know for sure. I haven't seen her fly at all. She's spread her wings a couple times and in my lay opinion they looked to not be damaged but I'm really not an expert.
Should I be concerned for her or try to get her to a wildlife vet or something? Having her there doing her thing while I do mine is very cool I think, but it's just such odd behaviour for a wild bird that I'm worried she might need help. Any thoughts anyone?
Tl;Dr: a dove has been sitting on my front step for about 6 hours, hasn't moved far from there at all, even when I walk past her. Should I try and get her to a wildlife vet or someone like that