Broken Wing Trick!

by Paula
(Fresno, CA - USA)

I discovered the nesting dove at the side of our house where we have our storage bin for patio furniture and our tool rack is there also.

She had made her nest atop the tool rack on a flat area between the handles of the shovel and rakes.

She is out in the open without protection from cats or other preying creatures and without any protection from the elements.

I went to bring the patio cushions for the patio chairs from the bin and caught a quick glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye. She flew up and lit in the corner of our yard dragging her right wing across the width of the yard.

Of course, I thought she was injured, but then remembered hearing about birds that will fake an injury to lure the threatening animal away from her nest.

This is exactly what she was doing. I went into the house and watched her from the window. She flew up and back to her nest and I could see she wasn't hurt at all.

Today we had a horrendous storm, complete with lightning and thunder and lots of hail. I worried about her all during the storm and finally after it subsided, I went to peek around the corner at her. It was so pitiful to see her sitting there, with hail all around her and on her, too. Such dedication and bravery! This little sweet dove is much braver and stronger than I!