I helped build a nest for them...

by Jerry T.
(Goldsboro, NC)

A pair of mourning doves tried for several weeks to build a nest, on my front porch, on a 2 by 6 inch ledge.

But every twig they put in place eventually fell off. To help them out, I set a large flower pot, filled mostly to the top with sand, atop an ornamental pedestal. Then carefully collected all the fallen twigs and straw from the porch floor and placed them in the flower pot. For a week or so they ignored my assisted-nest. To be perfectly honest, I didn't think they noticed my help at all.
But, to my amazement, a week or so ago they adopted "my" nest and now have 2 eggs there.
I know nothing about birding, but I really felt sorry for this Mom and Pop. So, I guess I might have to become a godfather to the youngins in a few weeks.