Doves nesting in Patio Planter
by Olivia Essary
(Fresno, CA)
Dove in my Planter
Dove Nest in Patio Planter
One morning last week I was sitting out on my back patio enjoying the spring day when I noticed a dove 20 ft out at the edge of the patio, pacing back and forth.
Watching closely I realized he (I think it was the male?) was carefully pecking about selecting only the best long pine needles to pick up, one by one!
Not realizing why he was doing that at first, I watched as he then flew his prize up to the corner of the patio overhang to an old hanging planter I have up there, where his mate was busy inside it, pacing 'round and 'round, and making use of each needle he delivered, weaving her nest!
I was so overjoyed and felt SO BLESSED that they chose that old planter so close in proximity to where we could witness
(CAREFULLY!!) the beauty and awesome process of their brood coming into the world, that my heart simply sang with delight!
I couldn't help but feel uneasy that they might change their minds once they discovered how noisy our huge chocolate lab, Rosie and our presence around on a regular basis.
But as I told my husband, "Well, honey, it's up to God, if they stay, then it will be His will, we can not altar our ways such as keeping Rosie more confined, it wouldn't be fair to her."
And so I resigned myself to see what would happen next.
After that first day, I did not see them in the nest the next day, and my heart fell, thinking that they must have moved on, feeling threatened and deciding to move the nest elsewhere.
But then the next day, they were back!
That must have been the day that "Lady Mamma Dove" laid her eggs, for I have not seen that planter empty since.
Day and night, a Dove, (either he or she, I am finding out), is there sitting diligently, no doubt caring for the eggs they now have!
Every morning I look forward to greeting the sitting parent! It brings real joy to my heart that they stayed!
I'm sending this picture I took today so others may enjoy the sight.
They are
Mourning Doves!
Best Regards to All,
Olivia