Dove Nesting on Front Porch

by Natalie
(Greenbrae, California, USA)

Two weeks ago, we opened the front door and were startled when a dove suddenly flew out of the flower pot on the porch railing.

At first, we thought it was just resting there, but when we took a closer look, we saw the tiny nest inside.

A single egg lay in the center, smooth and pale, almost blending in with the pot's surface.





The next morning, we checked again, and there were two eggs. It became clear that the doves had chosen our porch as their nursery.

During those first few days, every time we stepped outside, the nesting dove would take off in a hurry, startled by our presence.

Over time, it seemed to recognize that we weren't a threat. Eventually, it stopped flying away whenever we passed and simply sat in place, watching us.



We started noticing how the male and female doves took turns on the nest.

It was fascinating to see how naturally they worked together, switching places with little hesitation.

When one flew off, the other always stayed nearby, perching on the fence or the neighbor's roof, keeping a close eye on the nest.

We knew that neighborhood cats could be a danger. One in particular, an older tom, wandered by every other day.





He had always been a slow-moving cat, and as he aged, his vision seemed to decline. Luckily, he never noticed the doves.

He walked past them countless times, unaware of the little family just a few feet above.

At one point, we tried to move the flower pot just a little, thinking it might be safer in a slightly different spot.

We were careful, shifting it only about a foot to the side, but the doves reacted instantly.

They flew in circles, landing in the empty space where the nest had been. Their distress was obvious, so we quickly moved the pot back.

Almost immediately, they settled down again, returning to their eggs as if nothing had happened.

That was the moment we realized how attached they were to this exact location.

Even though the nest's position still worried us, we knew better than to interfere again.

A cat could easily reach it, and a crow might spot the eggs from above, but the doves had made their decision.

Now, all we could do was watch and hope for the best.



This morning, something incredible happened. One of the eggs hatched.

A tiny, fragile chick lay curled up next to the remaining egg, still adjusting to life outside the shell.

It was a remarkable sight, and we found ourselves checking on them more often, waiting to see if the second egg would hatch soon.

For now, we are simply observing and hoping.

The parents remain as devoted as ever, taking turns warming their newborn.

With a little luck, both babies will grow strong, and before long, they'll be ready to take flight.