Pair of Collared Doves Built a nest on my 4th floor balcony

Sundew · Hazel Tree Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Dublin

Folks I thought I would share this with you. I have many birds visiting my 4th floor balcony including a pair of collared doves. this morning upon looking out my patio doors I noticed, what looked like a piece of wire in the doves beak, I watched then saw him give it to the other dove. I then went to the bedroom window to get a closer look and spotted that he was actually bringing twigs to the balcony and depositing them in my window box full of geraniums attached to the balcony Shocked

I could not believe they were building a nest Very Happy

Anyhow the hard work continued and about 4 hours later the "nest" was complete. I can't believe they have chosen my balcony though I'm secretly pleased they chose mine over other peoples balconies. However there are lots of mature gardens around and I don't understand why they would nest on a window box open to the elements!

Anyhow was just wondering should I continue to use my balcony as normal as I usually sit out and also put out my clothes horse. I don't want to disturb her as I presume she is getting ready to lay some eggs. Anyone else had an experience with collared doves?
Here are two photos I took today of them building the nest. Note in second photo you can see a bit of wire mesh that the dove brought to the nest.

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"Don't wear perfume in the garden - unless you want to be pollinated by bees"

Clarabel · Hazel Tree Joined: 13 Jul 2008 Posts: 20

i would imagine carry on as you have been - they wouldn't have settled if they didn't like your activity.

Just make sure you stay away from the nest and especially the chicks once they hatch!

iandromiskin · Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 8:53 am Post subject:

That is mad Very Happy

Make sure you post some more photos as time progresses if you can ?

Sundew · Hazel Tree Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Dublin

..............as the dove left the nest this morning to feed on some seeds I got a good view of the nest (from the window) with one beautiful shiny white egg in it.

The Window box attached to balcony where she is nesting.

Picture of Nest yesterday afternoon. The mesh wire can be clearly seen in the nest. I actually saw the dove bring it into the nest.

_________________
"Don't wear perfume in the garden - unless you want to be pollinated by bees"

Lisa-Adam · Hazel Tree Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 26

She does not seem to mind the smell of geraniums anyway. Laughing

A lovely image Sundew, and I love the foggy type filter effect, makes it more magical.

Sive · Rowan Tree Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 127

Keep us posted on progress! I think it is a huge privilege when any animal trusts a human being....so enjoy the experience!
Brilliant photos too.

Sundew · Hazel Tree Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Dublin

A further update: A second egg was laid when I viewed nest Sunday morning. Got a chance to take a snap with my super zoom when mum left briefly .

Photo of nest taken on Sunday 3rd of August.

Mum taking a break before sitting back on her nest Smile

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"Don't wear perfume in the garden - unless you want to be pollinated by bees"

iandromiskin · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 7:42 am Post subject:

That is sooo cool !!!! Cool

Sive · Rowan Tree Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 127

Fabulous photos. How long will the eggs take to hatch? Talk about exciting....you'll be picking names for the young ones soon!

janelee · Hazel Tree Joined: 24 Jul 2008 Posts: 24

My first post here Sundew. just to say what wonderful photos and thanks for sharing. Watch those tomatoes when the chicks hatch. Razz

Sundew · Hazel Tree Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Dublin

Sundew · Hazel Tree Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 29 Location: Dublin

First chick hatched this morning.
Lets hope he/she survives this awful weather
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"Don't wear perfume in the garden - unless you want to be pollinated by bees"

markbld · Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2008 9:08 am Post subject:

nature at its best

have you picked a name yet Very Happy

fantastic photos, brightened up this misery of a day " weather wise "looking at this post

Rach · Hazel Tree Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 26

Great news Sundew!
At least the cats hopefully can't get at the nest where it is.
Any pics of the newborn?

Rach

Dr. Sunny Thomson · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:54 pm Post subject:

Reports coming in that hello magazine have paid a reputed 10 million for the first pictures of the chicks named brad and angelina. Razz