Doves Decorating Patio Entertaining Grandchildren

by Gary Blaylock
(San Diego, CA)

New deeper "Wicker Nest Basket"

A little over a year ago we noticed a pair "checking out" a little nook in our patio, on top of a 4X6.

Soon they were busy building a nest. It seemed that the more they worked, the more nest material just fell of the narrow platform.

But, they kept bringing in new material or flying down to retrieve fallen twigs, etc.

We guessed that they must have just given up, because they suddenly disappeared, leaving a couple of twigs on the ledge and a big pile on our patio floor.

I thought, just in case they or another pair decide to come back to the area, I would make it a little easier to build a secure nest.

I found one of our old wicker trays used to hold paper plates. I anchored it to the top of the 4X6, in the same place where they worked so diligently.

Sure enough, a few days later, they were back. I just happened to be watching when they arrived. They climbed in and out of the tray nd "sniffed" all around it.

They must have figured it was safe, because within a few hours they were busy, again, building a nest in their new enlarged home.

They've returned to the same nest several times and have raised at least 4 - 5 broods since I built their nesting shelf.

Our granddaughters are fascinated when they visit. They'll sit forever in our patio watching the "daddy" sit on the nest.

And, of course, are delighted when the eggs hatch and they can get a look at the new babies.

The pair don't seem to mind our birdwatching and will get off the nest while we are watching. As though they wanted to "show off" their brood.

I thought this behavior was very odd since they are usually so fearful and startle so easily.

Perhaps they have sensed that they are safe, protected and cherished in our little "Dove Patio"

UPDATE



I finally got a picture of "Dad" sitting on the nest. He didn't seem to mind at all, even when the flash went off.