Dove Has returned for second Time This year

by Gretchen
(Baton Rouge, LA)

I had a hanging basket and the plant died over the winter. I noticed there was a dove in the basket one morning when I looked out the kitchen window. I thought the same bird was on the nest the whole time but have since learned the mail and female take turns. Two babies were hatched three weeks ago. One morning I saw her pulling the baby up out of the nest and it looked wet like it had just recently hatched. I was so excited. For about a week and a half I watched as she fed the babies and watched them grow and become braver and braver in the nest until the would get on the edge of the nest. About 2 days after they started doing this, they were flying and then gone. I was able to get some pics of the babies in the nest. The about 2 days ago I looked out my kitchen window and much to my surprise the dove was back. I was thinking it was one of the babies but have read the same birds will return in the same season. I do have two cats and they have been respectful of the Dove and her babies much to my surprise as I was keeping close tabs on the cats so they would not harm the dove or babies. I am looking forward to the next baby birds being born which I understand from what I have read will be in about 2-3 weeks.