The call of the Mourning Dove is soft, and low. I hear it on and off all day long. Years ago this pair flew into my backyard and tried setting up house in a hanging flower basket I have on the patio. I shooed them away the first couple of years and they set up a nest in the eaves. They are stubborn tenacious little things, and after years of trying to shoo them out of my basket I caved in a let them stay a few years ago. I never look for their return but return they do and always to this basket.
They arrived this year just before the arrival of my new camera accessory the Wimberley Sidekick(2/14/2011). When it came in I decided to get some practice with it taking the pictures of the two Squatters Doves living on my patio.
Yesterday(3/11/2011) I noticed there was only one Dove in the nest and she wasn’t making sorties. I said to myself, ” When she leaves I’ll have to look to see if there are any eggs in there.”
Late this afternoon I noticed she was gone so I grabbed a ladder and my camera to have a look. I was thrilled to find not eggs but 2 chicks in the nest!
I have no idea how long ago they hatched. I’ve not heard a peep! They look fairly new and I’m sure they can’t fly. The female has been gone for a few hours now. It’s getting dark and chilly. I hope she returns soon!
I’m in Mother mode now checking out the window to see if she’s returned and I’ll be watching their growth and progress now until they fly out of the nest.
“Every spring is the only spring – a perpetual astonishment. Ellis Peters”
All Photos Copyright © 2011 Deborah M. Zajac. All Rights Reserved.
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