Mother Has Left The Nest

Mother Has Left The Nest

by Janie
(Panama City, FL)

Mother dove and one bird showing

They are in a planter on my patio. I go out each morning and I talk to her because this is the closest I have ever been to one. I think I may done the wrong thing.

The babies are no bigger but she left yesterday and has not returned. Do I need to feed them or what should I do? I can't let them die.

They are pretty big so I thought maybe she had left to give them a chance to fly.

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Mother Has Left The Nest

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Jul 14, 2009
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Baby doves
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem! The mother nested two eggs and they were born July 1st. The mother/father has since left. The babies are 14 days old. Wondering do I dare get so close to feed them! I am gonna wait and see what happens

Jun 29, 2009
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Mother has left the nest
by: Cindy

Dear Janie.
While I am no bird expert, I have had many encounters with Doves nesting. By guesstimating the age of the baby from the picture you posted, it appears to be just about ready to leave the nest. If it can stand on the edge of the nest.. or grip the edge of the planter with its toes.. then it is a fledgling.
I am sure the parents are around.. even if you are not seeing them. They do this sometimes.. to encourage their fledglings to fly to them.
I wouldn't intervene, unless you are absolutely positive that the parents have deserted it for what ever reason. They almost never leave their fledglings.
Just say a little prayer for its parents to return and coax it from the nest!
Hope everything goes well.

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