Mandy
Newbie Birdwatcher
This past weekend I noticed a pair of Mourning Doves building a nest in our front yard. They've apparently decided that our spruce tree would be a suitable home for their babies. I watched them over the weekend (through my bedroom window) as they brought twigs, roots, and other materials into the tree to build their nest. It was very interesting!!
From my bedroom window I can not see the nest itself. I can see the doves moving around in the tree a little, but other than that I would have no clue the nest is in there. I want so badly to go up to the tree for a peak, but I will not as I don't want to disturb them. I do however want to try getting some pictures of the babies when they try to fly for the first time. Whether or not this will happen, I don't know. This is my first "nest observation" so I don't really know what to expect.
With that said, I now have a few questions.
1- They were actively working on the nest all weekend, but today they were not. In fact, today while I was watching, I saw the doves "switch positions". One dove was in a nearby tree and the other dove was in with the nest. When the one with the nest came out of the tree, the other dove went in with the nest. I'm assuming that this means that there are now eggs in the nest??
2- If I'm understanding things right, the incubation period is about 2 weeks. This will be followed by another 2 weeks of being in the nest. Then during the 4th week, the babies will attempt to fly on their own. Is this correct??
3- I'm hoping to try photographing the babies (through my window) when they try to fly. Is there a way to be sure I'll be able to see this moment?? I mean is there a certain time of the day when they're most likely to fly for the first time??
4- When they do fly for the first time, does that mean they're leaving the nest for good or will they go back to the nest for a few more days??
5- Will the mourning doves use the same nest for their next brood??
I think that's about it for now. Any info would be appreciated!!
- Mandy
From my bedroom window I can not see the nest itself. I can see the doves moving around in the tree a little, but other than that I would have no clue the nest is in there. I want so badly to go up to the tree for a peak, but I will not as I don't want to disturb them. I do however want to try getting some pictures of the babies when they try to fly for the first time. Whether or not this will happen, I don't know. This is my first "nest observation" so I don't really know what to expect.
With that said, I now have a few questions.
1- They were actively working on the nest all weekend, but today they were not. In fact, today while I was watching, I saw the doves "switch positions". One dove was in a nearby tree and the other dove was in with the nest. When the one with the nest came out of the tree, the other dove went in with the nest. I'm assuming that this means that there are now eggs in the nest??
2- If I'm understanding things right, the incubation period is about 2 weeks. This will be followed by another 2 weeks of being in the nest. Then during the 4th week, the babies will attempt to fly on their own. Is this correct??
3- I'm hoping to try photographing the babies (through my window) when they try to fly. Is there a way to be sure I'll be able to see this moment?? I mean is there a certain time of the day when they're most likely to fly for the first time??
4- When they do fly for the first time, does that mean they're leaving the nest for good or will they go back to the nest for a few more days??
5- Will the mourning doves use the same nest for their next brood??
I think that's about it for now. Any info would be appreciated!!
- Mandy