Nesting Dove

We have a very determined dove nesting in our potted guava tree in our backyard, just a few feet from our house.

No matter what happens, she does not move.

Biska is curious and got up into the plant pot and was trying to climb the tree to get to the dove. She broke off some lower branches and was generally being a nuisance. So John installed this temporary cardboard barrier to discourage Biska.

The whole time John was working to set up the cardboard, the dove just sat there on her nest. It’s a very small tree and the dove is only at about head height. John was inches from her as he worked. I also had been sitting in those chairs before I knew she was there, but I’ve since moved the chairs away.

Biska’s like, “I want to play with the bird in there!” But now she knows she’s not supposed to put her front paws up there, and she’s a pretty well behaved dog. I occasionally have to call her away, but she is mostly ignoring the bird now. We’ll see what happens when there’s baby birds!

Here you can see how close the tree is to the house.

It seems like a poor place for a nest, but my friends tell me that the nesting dove’s biggest threat is the ravens, who will try to eat the eggs. So maybe it’s a genius place for a nest. Being so close to the house and guarded by a dog might deter the ravens.

It’s been two weeks, and we’e never seen her leave the nest, no matter how close we get (we’re trying not to harass her, but it is our backyard).

We first noticed her on May 15th. It’s now May 29th. Those chicks are due!

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