Nesting Doves in Joshua Tree, CA

by Jennifer
(Joshua Tree, CA)

Last year around the last week of May, I noticed a dove nest on the beam of the new patio. I can see the Dove nesting from the kitchen window.

I was at the house getting it ready to rent out as a seasonal rental. I told the lady who was renting the house to keep an eye out for the Doves.

She kept me up to date on them and said that they had 2 babies. I moved into the house permanently in February of this year. I noticed the abandon nest, and left it alone.

At the end of May, I noticed a Dove sitting in the old nest. I did not think I would get any nesters as I have 3 dogs that hang out in under the patio.

I walk by several times a day and the Doves do not seem concerned by the dogs or me. I have several different types of feeders in my yard to attract birds and rabbits.

I have the finch socks and the doves like to clean up the seeds on the ground. I also purchase chicken scratch and seed blocks.

It is very entertaining to watch all the different types of quail and birds feeding on the seed blocks.

I was concerned about the one Dove, but I did notice that one looks slightly thinner than the other, so I am no longer worried about the one dove starving to death.

Nesting Doves in Joshua Tree, CA-Part 2

by 4deboids
(Joshua Tree, CA)

It has been several weeks now since the Doves have returned to the nest. I can watch the nest from my kitchen window and last week I noticed the twigs were moving under the Dove. Within a couple of days a little beak popped up and the adults started feeding it. Today I notice 2 little beaks.

So there are 2 baby doves now. It is so interesting to watch the two adults taking turns feeding the babies. Sometimes the babies get so close to the edge I have to walk away and hope that it does not fall out.

I have several Sparrows nesting in one of my Joshua Trees and one day after a rather strong wind passed thru, I found 6 small dead babies on the ground under the tree. It was very sad.

I have posted a couple of photos of the new family. I read that the adults will lay more eggs after the babies leave the nest. So while I hide away in the house to escape the heat this summer, I can look forward to watching the Doves.