The saga of the birds has now moved to the front porch. Yesterday, whilst watering the hanging flower baskets on my front porch, I discovered a bird nest in one of them. "No wonder this basket's not looking too hot," I thought to myself. I looked in the nest: no eggs, no birds. I decided that the birds must have moved on. I removed the nest and discarded it in the alley where it was promptly smashed by passing cars.
This morning I awake to find a dove sitting in said hanging basket. I thought, "silly bird, you can't live here anymore. I took your nest. These are no longer suitable lodgings." When the dove was spooked by a passing car I peeked in the basket to see what damage was done, and behold, there was an egg. Now I know that egg was not there yesterday. This dove laid that egg this morning.
Now I'm filled with extreme remorse. Can you imagine what I've done?!?! I threw out this mama's nest! She worked tirelessly to get a cozy space ready to birth her babies, came back to the nest this morning in the midst of birthing pangs, only to discover that her work had been destroyed! And now, there was no time for her to even gather the resources to build a new one. The baby was coming and the inn had been torn down. I am a horrible monster.
And what do I do about my flowers that are in that basket? Do I just let her sit all over them and destroy them? Will I be able to water them? Will she and her babies be pooping on them? I read that the gestation period is about 14 days. How long will they be living there after they hatch? What if they don't hatch and I've sacrificed my plants for nothing? Are these residents permanent - will they be returning each year?
Clearly I cannot evict a mother and her babies. That would be cruel beyond belief. I guess I'll just be tip-toeing around the front porch for awhile awaiting the new arrivals - and for the magic of nature to unfold.
3 comments:
Let the momma and baby have your flowers. The momma may try to construct another one around the egg. Dove's nests are very fragile/haphazard. It's only for a couple of weeks. And you will enjoy watching them.
About 3 years ago, a momma robin made her nest in my fern. I left it alone and the girls and I watched her and loved it. The joy has gone away... each year since she returns and uses my fern! This year I resorted to checking daily and removing any nest she created... she finally grew weary and moved on! My fern has once again been restored!
I'm really enjoying this dove and her dedication...but Audrey, that is exactly what has me worried!!
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