Doves in Garage Atop Door Opener Motor Housing

by Geoff Robinson
(Palo Alto CA )

We've had doves nest in our garage since May 2018.

My wife and I had not been aware of their existence and had been closing the garage door overnight.

We were surprised when a fledgling flew out landing a short distance away on the side of our house where creeping fig cover the area.

We don't know whether the same mating pair return every year generally late February.

They've occupied the top storage shelf in our side yard to rear a brood at least twice. They drink water from bowls on a patio porch and eat nyjer seed that finches drop from a hanging feeder.

I love watching them on our patio, driveway and on the house and garage roof. I particularly enjoy watching the adults feed fledglings.

Mourning doves are an absolute delight.

Dove on Garage Door Opener.

by Karen

Lovey Dovey built her nest about 2 weeks ago on our door opener.

We are pretty sure her mate (found a dead dove in the yard) was killed in a hail storm or by the neighbor's cat.

We have provided water and wild bird seed for her but not sure if she is eating it.

I will post an update and more pictures of the fledglings when they pop up!!

Update

After weeks of worry, we finally got a peek at the babies yesterday when mama left the nest.

She was gone quite a long time so more worry if she was able to come back, well not only did mama return but long lost papa was with her.

I have a feeling unbeknownst to us they were switching all along.

We were relieved to see her mate was not the dead bird we found in the yard.

I am guessing they are about 8 days old.

A week ago we saw white eggshell pieces in the driveway along with some Hawk droppings so then we worried the nest had been attacked, but she stuck to her business and you can see the results!!

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Comments for Dove on Garage Door Opener.


May 24, 2008

That's an adorable story
by: Jessica

I'm so glad daddy dove wasn't harmed, and that the nest hadn't been attacked. Good for them!
Apr 16, 2008

Tweet Tweet
by: Judy

Best Wishes on your New Arrivals to be!!!
Apr 15, 2008
Rating
hello from Ginger
by: Ginger

Hello,

Didn't know you were a bird watcher! Hope everything goes okay. Ginger

Garage doves

by Chris
(SanteeCA USA)

After some time noticing doves flying in and out of my garage, I decided to keep the back door open for them.

They built a nest and sometimes I noticed one sitting on the nest.

Time passed and it seemed there was little activity other than the doves flying in the garage.

I started to think there would be no hatchlings.
Maybe it had been too hot in the garage and the eggs had died.

Yesterday, a dove was flying above me as I entered the garage. I looked up and saw two young doves on a rafter and their parents vigilantly watching on a higher rafter. It was a sweet moment.

I've always liked doves. They are mild mannered and I felt it a complement when they nested near me.

While it has been quite nice to welcome new life, I don't think I want them to continue nesting in my garage.

As you can imagine, they have dirtied up my car somewhat and I would like to close my side garage door at some point.

I'd love to have them stay but I think it's better that they nest outside. What do I do to urge them outdoors?

Mourning Dove In The Carport

by Annie
(Punta Gorda)

On 3 occasions, our local Mourning Doves have nested on the top of the concrete post just under the carport roof.

This area is protected from prey and from inclement weather, so I imagine the mama and daddy feel it's a safe environment for their nest and their babies.

Yesterday, Mama Dove gave birth and I could see the baby with my binoculars when mama flew away for a few minutes.

My neighbors are also in awe of this wonderful natural happening.

This bird has been in my carport in the past and she is familiar with my comings and goings and doesn't get rattled when I start my car. She seems to be part of our family now.

I will continue to watch her and her husband and their baby

Baby Dove Has Arrived

The Mourning Dove in my carport has had her baby. He/she's growing a little each day and pokes his head up for a photo op!

Seems like he's left alone for hours at a time during the day, but Mama comes at night to sit on the nest and protect her child.

Doves on Carport

A few months ago, I hired a local pest control company to screen in the corner eaves of my house because honestly, birds were becoming a nuisance. (I just had my house painted!)

We decided to have them wait to do the work when the birds were not actively nesting. So they finally started work a few weeks ago.

One day I came home from work, and the guy was loading up his truck.

He said there was a mourning dove in one of the eaves so he had relocated her nest. (That was the last corner that needed to be done.) He put the nest on top of my fence (which is covered with ivy.)

That afternoon and evening, the poor momma bird paced and paced in my carport. She kept flying up to the corner . . .could not figure out why she couldn’t get to her nest. And she couldn’t find her egg!

Finally, I carefully picked up the nest and put it under one of the eaves of the carport.

She continued to pace. She did not abandon her nest! The next morning, there she was, sitting on top of the egg.

Now there are two babies in the nest. And the family is doing fine. Here are photos of the babies.

Surprised to Find Doves Nesting on Garage Door Opener

by Dan Marshall
(Baton, LA)

I have added a picture to go along with my previously posted story...

One day we were in our garage (California carport-door on one side/open on other), and to our surprise we saw a dove nesting on our garage door opener.

For the first couple days, the bird would fly away when we opened the door, but eventually she would stay put, only cocking her head to the side in response to the noise and shaking.

For several weeks we would come home and say "Hello Bird". My wife has grown quite attached.

She will constantly ask me "what's that bird doing?" "Do you think she's lonely?" "Is she cold?" My response: "Sitting" "no" and "We're in Southern Louisiana, I doubt ANYONE'S cold"



It is quite intriguing to see this bird sitting motionless for hours at a time.

My wife checks on them every few hours when we're home.

Every morning she greets her/him, and every evening she makes me look out the door and bid them a good night. No chicks yet…

Surprise! I opened the door to head for my car and I notice something different. "What is that?" "Honey, I think we have babies".

My wife runs from the bedroom, half dressed, squealing like a child on Christmas. "Where, where?" Finally she sees the little brown head and black eye.

I grab the camera and take a few dozen pictures from a stepping stool vantage point.

Later that day I get an email from my wife with the pictures displayed like a proud mother. I almost cringed when I saw the length of the CC list.

Well, that's the story so far. It is kinda fun to watch…I just hope they don't mess up my brand new door opener.

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