Doves On My Deck - Again!

by Steve
(Baldwin, KS)

Doves on My Deck: A Love-Hate Relationship

Last Year

One peaceful Sunday morning, I was sipping coffee and gazing out my kitchen window when I noticed a Mourning Dove perched in my flower box on the deck.

At first, I thought it was charming, but little did I know what was in store.

As the day went on, I noticed the dove hadn't moved much. Concerned, I checked closer and saw a small nest made of twigs.

A quick Google search confirmed my suspicion, the dove was nesting.

It was fascinating to watch, but the charm quickly wore off when the practical challenges began.



The dove's presence meant no watering that flower box. A prowling neighborhood cat only added to the stress.

I stacked old furniture at the base of the deck steps to keep the cat away and resorted to noisy shooing every time I spotted it.

The doves didn't mind, and after a few weeks, the cat gave up.

Soon, two adorable baby doves hatched, and after a few weeks, they were flying all over the yard.

It was rewarding but also a bit inconvenient.

The doves had claimed my deck as their home, and for two months, my family and I tiptoed around like unwanted guests.

THIS YEAR

Fast forward to this spring. The doves returned, eyeing my $30 hanging basket for their nest.

Determined not to repeat last year’s experience, I removed every bit of their nest-building efforts, hoping they’d move on.

But these birds are persistent, and when I finally replanted the basket, they shifted their efforts to another flower pot.

Now, here's what I learned about deterring doves:

How to Prevent Doves from Nesting

Remove Nesting Spots Early: The moment you notice doves scouting your space, take down hanging baskets, remove flower pots, or cover them temporarily.

Doves prefer stable, flat surfaces, so eliminating these spots early is key.

Use Decoys or Deterrents: Place reflective objects like aluminum foil, pinwheels, or even plastic predator decoys (hawks or owls) near potential nesting sites.

The movement and shine may discourage them.

Netting or Barriers: Lightweight netting over flower boxes or hanging plants can physically block doves from accessing these areas.

Ensure the netting is secure and tight.

Scents or Sprays: Although they have a weak sense of smell, Doves may be deterred by strong smells like peppermint or citronella.

Use bird-safe sprays or soak cotton balls with essential oils and place them near nesting spots.

Make It Uncomfortable: Tilt flower pots or baskets at an angle to prevent doves from getting a foothold. They prefer stable, level areas.

Frequent Activity: Doves thrive in quiet, undisturbed areas. Simply being active on your deck can sometimes deter them from settling down.

A Lesson Learned

While I respect nature and love watching birds, I've realized that sharing my deck with nesting doves isn’t ideal.

By being proactive this year, I've managed to reclaim my space while ensuring the doves find more suitable nesting areas nearby.

If you're in a similar situation, don’t feel guilty about deterring doves.

They’ll find a better spot, one that doesn’t disrupt your daily life.

And if you're like me, you'll still sneak a peek at them from time to time, marveling at their resilience and charm... just from a distance.