Mavmacaw

by Shirley
(Bartlett, Tenn.)

I have numerous doves who feed from the feeder and from on the ground. They are cautious about using the birdbath when other birds are present, but they do enjoy a good cleansing. I have noticed that the female will use the same nest for raising her chicks. (I think she is too lazy to build a new nest.) I can come close to her habitat when chicks are present and she does not fear me as I believe she recognizes my voice and I feed her well. I have never seen a male relieve her from her duties as I have read on reports from the internet that they do exchange times of taking care of the nest and alternating with the female in care of the chicks. Is this correct? I am a true bird lover and watch carefully all transactions made. I have also witnessed a female desert her chick and flog it and then the chick will disappear.
This remains a mystery to me. I have wondered if it were abnormal or deformed. I don't know. Total desertion!