Cob-web duster nest

by Betty
(Carmichael, CA)

Dove Nesting On Duster

I hung a web duster on the iron grate of my bedroom window last year. One day when I grabbed it there was a sudden movement in the top so I quickly let go.

I stepped back and looked, there was a dove, nesting, looking at me with startled eyes. Needless to say, off I went to the pet store to purchase feed for her.

I watched and talked to her daily. As she was outside my bedroom I could hear the comings and goings of her and her mate.

Shortly after her discovery I saw a miniture head with curious eyes watching me when I was outside.

Having my grandaughters swingset in my backyard prooved to be perfect to teach the little one to fly.

I watched Mom and Pop call the Baby up and down, watched the misses and the successes. It was a most wonderful time.

The 4am warnings I heard that caused me to jump out of my bed and race to the patio to scare off a trespassing cat were not a favorite and I was so glad when the first season was over.

Watching the process of egg, to nestling, to learning juvenile was a joyful, stressful time. I felt so protective.

Then, the next year, early in the season there was Mother again, on my patio, looking inside to me, almost scolding me... I had taken down the web duster!

So, up it went, and just in case... I purchased another and added it so the babes would not fall out.. a duplex I guess!

Mom produced 2 nestlings and they both survived to adulthood. Mom then went back to the nest and produced another set of twins.

It was funny to see the prior set of nestlings want to visit and the parents chase them off.

Immediately after Mom vacated, a young pair took up residence and produced a set of twins.

So far I have 7 Doves born on my patio, in that cob-web dusting duplex.