Mourning Dove Nest Abandonment
by Doreen
(Rhode, Island)
We have a lovely mourning dove who has set up her home in our backyard.
FAQ: Answered Below
She and her mate are beautiful creatures that seem curious about us, rather than anxious.
We can easily see her from our bathroom window and our back deck.
For weeks now I have not mowed my lawn, used my back deck, or even enjoyed our hot tub on the deck because I do not want to disturb her.
Daytime Nest Watcher
I have two shepherds that run out back often and she hasn't been spooked so far.
The couple set up their nest on our trellis, under the protective cover of our eaves on our one-story bungalow home in RI.
I watched her sit on her eggs for several days until one day I noticed she seemed very large!
She looked twice the size!
Well, I noticed that she had some movement under her and sure enough had her babies!
She has put up with my son and two shepherds coming in and out of the back door, onto our deck, and using the backyard.
At times we are loud, and the screen door that is just a mere 3-4 feet from her nest can make some loud noises as well.
She has put up with us and seems used to our routines here.
I must admit that I stayed clear of my backyard for weeks now, not wanting to disturb her.
The dogs haven't been out in the backyard as much, and we haven't used our deck at all.
Today I would guess that the babies are approximately seven days old, give or take.
We went out back in an attempt to mow our 18" high grass!!
The lawn mower was broken, so we used a weed wacker on the side of the yard furthest from mom (or dad) dove.
We also used the weed wacker on a very low setting so that it would make less noise.
Ironically, when we approached the nearest to the deck and trellis where she resides, we noticed some movement in the tall grass and saw a tiny baby bunny!!
So we ceased all grass-cutting activities right then and there.
Shortly after we went back inside I came back out to clean up a few things and noticed she or he was gone from the nest.
Slightly alarmed because I have not once seen the nest unprotected, I have been watching over the babies now for nearly an hour, and no one has returned.
I am so upset that she may have abandoned her nest! The babies are alert, heads up, and looking for mom or dad.
I don't know how long they can survive but I won't allow them to remain unattended overnight.
I will take them to a rehabber first if necessary! I will keep you updated!
The image below is of mourning doves babies in a nest but not the ones mentioned in the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mourning dove fledgling on the ground - Why and What to Do?
If you come across a mourning dove fledgling on the ground, it is likely that it has either fallen out of its nest prematurely or recently fledged.
A fully feathered dove fledgling should be left alone as the adults will continue to care for and feed it.
If the fledgling appears injured or sick, it is best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
Why do baby doves die - causes?
There are several reasons why baby doves may die, including predation, disease, lack of food, and environmental factors.
In many cases, the death of a baby dove is a natural occurrence and is part of the circle of life.
When baby doves leave the nest do they return?
Once baby doves leave the nest, they typically do not return to the nest for sleep. They do occasionally make short return visits.
However, they may stay in the vicinity of their nest for a short period of time as they learn to fly and find food.
How long can dove eggs survive without their mother on them?
First, both the males and females sit on the eggs. Dad during the day and the Mother through the night to mid-morning.
Dove eggs can survive for a short period of time without incubation for a few hours depending on temperatures.
However, it is important for the mother and father dove to incubate the eggs as much as possible in order to ensure their survival.
Do doves leave their babies unattended at night?
Doves typically do not leave their babies unattended at night.
While there comes a time that the adult doves do not spend the night in the nest they are still watching.
They will often roost near their nest in order to protect their young from predators.
Baby dove fell out of nest what to do?
If a baby dove falls out of its nest prematurely, it is best to leave it where it is and observe it from a distance.
If the fledgling appears healthy and uninjured, its parents will likely come back to care for it.
If the fledgling appears injured or sick, it is best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
When do doves leave the nest?
Doves typically leave the nest at around two weeks of age.
However, they may stay in the vicinity of their nest for a short period of time as they learn to fly and find food.
