Mourning Doves On My Porch

Mourning Doves On My Porch

by Marie Druck
(Windsor, Pa )

For the last two years my family and I have had a family of mourning doves nesting in a hanging plant on my front porch.

My husband, kids and I enjoy watching them make the nest and raising their young. Its a great way to teach the kids about nature and how to respect it.

Here We Are

My family is not the only ones to enjoy it the whole neighborhood comes around to see what is happening with the doves.

The parents don't mind the interruption of people climbing on to a chair to get a better look, I actually think they like it. They have even allowed us to take pictures of them and their babies.

However we are all sad because once again it is that time of year for the babies to leave the nest and once again we are all suffering from empty nest syndrome.

Can't wait for next year!

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Mourning Doves On My Porch

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Jul 01, 2008
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nest starting in planter
by: Anonymous

I was happy to find this sight and read of some planter stories. We have just returned late last night from being out of town and noticed this moring a couple of mourning doves working together to build their nest in hanging plant near our kitchen window off the deck. I have been afraid of frightening them and thinking that once they caught sight of my children going in & out and the dog that I'll be picking up from the kennel today, would just blow the odds of the pair nesting here. With all the normal activities of my household they may still decide to head for calmer grounds but reading some of the stories has given me hope that maybe they'll stay. If they stay my family will have a wonderful daily view of them and will enjoy them dearly. Perhaps we will also be able to take & post pics.

Jun 26, 2008
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Same Situation
by: Anonymous

My Doves are also in a large ceramic planter a little higher then yours. Sadly no plant though it died last year. So they sit low in my planter on the potting soil. I can only see their heads. I knew when they were sitting higher they must of had their babies. I also have to climb on a table to see whats going on. So far I only go up on the table when the Mom or Dad have left the nest. I do talk to them and walk all around them on my patio.
I also climb up at night with a flashlight to make sure I see the little head sticking out, but get down real fast because Im afraid to scare her off. I was lucky enough to see the eggs and babies when Mom and Dad were away from their nest. They are back on their 2nd nest! I have only once seen their 2 new eggs. They seem to stay in the nest alot more this time. I Love they have choosen my home to be their home!

May 19, 2008
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on our porch too!
by: helen

thnak you so much for the pics of tha hanging plant doves. we have ours nesting in a hanging basket (I had not yet planted it this spring!!) for the first time and it is so sweet. I was very happy to learn that there are TWO birds taking turns as I was very concerned about the "mama" getting food whie she sits there. I thought she never budged!!! STill, I am awed by their devotion.
Helen and Neil in Santa Cruz, CA

May 17, 2008
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Great pics!
by: Anonymous

I love the photos - and I continue to be amazed by the tranquility of the nesting doves as indicated throughout the various posts, Maybe a lesson there for me. Just remain calm and peaceful! Alice