Doves in My Planter

by Bob
(Virginia)

I have a mourning dove who has nested in one of our hanging plants right outside our back door. She has laid 2 eggs so far and seems to be adjusting to the in/out activity ... In fact she'll stay put even if we're hanging out in the back yard.

I'm wondering if there is anything we can do to accommodate her or to protect her eggs from predators like crows?

We're so excited to watch her bring her babies into the world - and to have such a great view of them. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!

Answer

Hello Bob;
Despite their soft cooings, mourning doves have a quarrelsome nature! They will fight furiously during the mating season and are quite irritable at other seasons. Their wings are used to deliver blows to adversaries.
They respond enthusiastically to feeders, as they have a ferocious appetite. You can help by feeding them, as that will allow them more time to protect their nest, as they won't have to spend as much time searching for food. Mourning Doves are complete vegetarians, liking seeds, grain, corn, sunflower, thistle, hemp, millet. They actually prefer eating on the ground, but will come to feeders.