Returning doves - mourning our Mourning Dove

by Bettina
(North Aurora, IL)

In June, we will have been in our house for 10 yrs. The very first year we experienced our 1st set of Mourning Doves.

They build a nest, raised a couple babies, and then occupied another nest, to start all over again. They have returned every year since.

Yesterday we noticed one lying on the ground in the yard, slightly on its side. It flew to the back of our shed when we approached. Its mate soon joined it. Today we found it dead.

It is heartbreaking to think the dove(s) may not return next season. I am not sure which died, and not sure who makes the return trip,to the same area, the female or male? If the surviving one re-mates, can we expect it to return or will it follow its new mate?

We are very saddened by this event. I have been teary eyed since yesterday.

We have also had a mallard duck in the area for around 5 years. It always builds a nest near our yard. This year the nest is IN our yard behind our rose bush.

She is sitting on that nest of eggs (was 7, now 4) and we are awaiting the hatching and hope to see some babies. We have missed the babies each year but it has never been IN our yard.

My dogs HATE having to be tied up this year but we are really trying to keep all these feathered animals as safe as possible.

I'm mostly concerned with the surviving Mourning dove today. Later we will bury the dead one. sigh