Michigan Doves in Hanging Plant

by Kathy
(Waterford, MI)

This (2012) is the 7th year that a set of Mourning Doves have nested in my hanging plant on my front porch. Yesterday (4/29/12) my daughter came and told me that she could hear doves cooing in our front yard.

I went to my shed in the back yard and got an empty hanging basket. I filled it with dirt and leaves. Within a couple of minutes, the doves were in the basket. I was so happy they were back for yet another season.

From what I have read, this pair may be the same birds that come back every year. Also, from what I have read, they usually lay two (2) eggs. This has happened every year.

I have two (2) daughters and they get so excited when the eggs hatch. We can see little tiny heads pop us as they are being fed. We follow the little ones until they "fly the coop".

Last year was the first year that my sister-in-law visited us and saw the doves on the nest. She thought it was so cool that we had found such realistic looking cement birds.

I had to convince her that they were real. She was shocked. They usually fly away for a bit when approached.

I don't know if it's possible that they know my voice, but I talk to them and they just lay in the nest.

Every year, I look forward to my longtime friends' return.