We have a small upstairs balcony, just large enough for two chairs looking down on the street. The balcony is completely covered by the eaves of the house. Inside, there is a supporting beam, and that’s where a pair of doves have decided to build their condo.
Today, we saw both of them there at the same time, one of them in the nest and the other in the adjoining condo – or perhaps separate bedroom.
We don’t know if there are any eggs in the nest yet. We’ll check the next time they are both out shopping.
If I were a dove, I’d find this spot too. It does not get any better. It’s completely protected from terrestrial predators, since it’s under a balcony that cannot be reached from the ground. It’s invisible from the outside. While other birds could get there, they’d have to know it’s there first. And it’s protected from all weather and wind.
When choosing real estate, it’s all about location, location and location.
In contrast, I searched for nests of doves, and found that not all doves are as smart as our pets. Check out this one:
When I was a little girl, a picture window in my parents’ bedroom was completely covered with vines. A dove built her nest against the window. Maybe she was attracted by the heat from the house. My brothers and I could press our noses right up to the window and see into the nest. Apparently she couldn’t see us, because she never appeared frightened if we stayed quiet. We were able to watch her lay her eggs, hatch them and teach the little ones to fly. What a biology lesson! My father loved doves, too. He never allowed dove hunters on our land.
Excellent story ! I like the fact that they come to your house, you let them live with you and they feel comfortable there… great family. Peace.