Mourning Dove Family - Part 2 (Hatching and raising young)

Mourning Dove Family - Part 2 (Hatching and raising young)
Part 2 of a two-part educational series about the nesting behavior of mourning doves. Follow our mourning dove pair, Ward and June, as they hatch their young and raise them. Filmed with an inexpensive USB web cam connected to my computer via a long USB cable. The webcam needed no maintenance, so there was no human interference or interaction with the birds at the nest. The events depicted are as nature directed, not me. I simply provided a convenient place for doves to nest, and a camera to record the whole thing. As the camera was running during nearly all of the daylight hours, this video was edited down from hundreds of hours of raw video footage. Many of my viewers ask me about the doves nesting in their yards, because mourning doves will nest just about anywhere. The main purpose of this film is to show you what's happening in the nest, so you don't have to disturb them in your yard. Please watch my films instead of disturbing an actual nest! Thank you. Teachers, please feel free to use this video content in the classroom.
Please note: this film depicts the loss of one of the babies when he left the nest due to a loud backfiring vehicle that passed by on the road behind my house. Many of you have asked why I didn't simply put "Beaver" back in the nest. The camera was operated remotely and automatically, and I was not home the day it happened, until late in the evening. When I got home, I reviewed the day's footage and discovered Beaver's exit from the nest. I immediately searched by flashlight. I searched again by daylight the next morning. No trace was ever found. Believe me, I would have put him back in the nest if he had been found. Either he managed to escape my garden on his own, or a predator may have gotten him. I watched and listened to every second of video from the time he left the nest until sometime after it got dark. I never discovered any evidence of his death nor any trace of his remains. And let me tell you, no one was more upset at his disappearance than I was! I can also tell you that his sibling, "Wally", did just fine and met up with the parents immediately after leaving the nest. In the final scene, if you look closely you can see "June" land on the fence, and you can hear "Ward" on the roof of the shed.
To watch the first half of the story, featuring nesting, laying and care of the eggs, see Mourning Dove Family - Part 1. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4vNgGurntialc0

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

REGARDING "BEAVER" THE BABY DOVE: Beaver jumped out of the nest. It happened when I was not home. I didn't find out it happened until I got home late that evening and reviewed the day's footage. I immediately searched by flashlight, and again the next morning. Beaver was never found. I don't know if he lived or died. If he had been found, I would have put him back in the nest. I don't think he made it, he just wasn't quite ready. I have no evidence that the parents found him and continued feeding him. I also have no evidence that he died. I'm sorry that you have to witness Beaver leaving the nest and not returning. I'm sorry if the idea of losing a baby dove upsets you. Believe me, no one was more upset by it than me! It's one of the reasons it took me 2 years to edit this film together from hundreds of hours of footage. It continues to break my heart every time you folks post questions about what happened (you see everything I see) or what I should have done after it happened. There was nothing I could do. Please, no more questions or comments about Beaver's disappearance! They will simply be deleted. And one more thing. This is my pinned "sticky". It is important information that I wish to convey to ALL who wish to post in the comments on this video. Sorry, I will not share THIS space with you. Please, just post by starting a new thread, or replying to another. Do not reply to THIS message. If you reply to THIS post, your reply will be deleted, regardless of what you posted. ..

[@bronxbull1]

@@robertlogan4652 you are sick

[@Spin940]

​@@bronxbull1My man made it out alive.

[@Matija-ml4zq]

I found a mourning dove baby that looked like it was 2 days old maybe (barely any feathers) on the floor a few meters away from the nest. It seemed to have fallen out and "crawled" a few meters but It was alive and baaareely moving so I put it back in the nest. I came back half an hour later, the parent was in the nest with it and then I came back an hour later, the baby was on the floor again; except dead. Do you think the parent kicked it out on purpose?

[@Spin940]

@@Matija-ml4zq the parents knew the baby was going to die so they pushed it off on purpose.

[@Matija-ml4zq]

@@Spin940 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnvSaGaNgZifnbs&ab_channel=jeanneduss

[@republican4u2nv78]

The most fascinating thing to me about animals is their instinct. It is just so amazing how animals just automatically know what to do and they do it.

[@lovethokolo6297]

Thet have brain like us na, made by one creator

[@republican4u2nv78]

@David Leo Sweetie, you do not need to bring *your* personal beliefs into every comment. If what you said was proven true, it would be called a fact- but here we are and it is still called a belief because nobody alive has proven there is or is not a God(s). You believe in what you want and allow others to do the same without bothering them on videos and comments that have nothing to do with religion.

[@chankabizarrenetworkdeluxe1984]

@@republican4u2nv78 uk thing about being a god he could hide his presence from us if he is that powerful u cant make a machine to detect a spiritual entity or go to heaven ,lol so dont just assume he not real cuz he doesnt want to reveal himself to people like u anyways

[@tanneredge9774]

I wish us humans still had that but we're too worried about social media and money.

[@yehohanan7738]

Because God gave them that instinct. ❤❤❤

[@reubenfavour]

Good Parenting..... Its Takes Togetherness To Raise A Family

[@iBi_uBu]

Amen!

[@banishedfromthedwarfplanet530]

Pigeon milk is more than just digested seeds and water. It is a special high-protein/high-fat liquid produced by special glands in crops of doves and pigeons.

[@gr2262]

Its called squap or something like that

[@rethablair6902]

Awwww Ward didn't want to leave his baby😞

[@barbarakhan507]

I love their cooing sounds....

[@austin1839]

Just imagine the amount of raw energy it takes for them to grow so fast.

[@jaquelinevasconcelos1752]

Ou não vai dar pra ir pra rotatórias tem e de e de onde e isso então ela está com vc ryo kn n v bnbbv8io☝️😍😍💏💏💏😍☝️💏💏☝️😍 ir mãe

[@karenfrazer2284]

Thank you so much for this documentary on family life. God bless the little creatures...and you!

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thank you for watching!

[@ginichimaru5476]

Ward looks over the rainbow happy to welcome Wally into the world. I pray Beaver made it, but if God did call him home, I pray he didn't suffer. Thank you for sharing these feathery friends with us. Even greater thanks for doing your best to locate Beaver. God bless you & these lovely doves.

[@martybob55]

Thank you for your patience and dedication to sharing such an awesome example of how we take so many beautiful things for granted. I am happy to say my couple made their temporary home a few days ago on my patio pillar. I’m looking thru my windows many times a day.. it brings me joy 🧡

[@dollface2516]

This video answered so many questions that I couldn't see, peering out my window at my dove family. Broke my heart about Beaver. Both of mine fledged, but one was MIA, and I never found it. The other one hung around in the garden for days. His parents were so faithful about visiting him and feeding him several times a day. What a fascinating experience. Thanks for taking the time to edit and share.

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Sorry, I didn't see this when you posted it, I was moving across country. Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it! My main intention for making this video was so that everyone could see what's happening in the nest, and wouldn't have to disturb their feathered neighbors by looking into the nest.

[@jonnymccormick3805]

This is beautiful. I had a tragic situation with some doves recently. I noticed some birds building a nest near the gutters on my house in the backyard. Not knowing birds, I thought nothing of it. I would go into my backyard to mow and water the plants and such every day, never thinking twice. Then one day without paying attention to the nest, i went out to turn the sprinklers on (the sprinkler controls are right next to where the nest was). Shockingly to me, a bird flew out of the nest and i heard that iconic wing noise. Startled i stepped back to regain my composure, and noticed an egg on the ground- cracked and splattered all over the place. The bird (i assume the mother since it was at night) had knocked out one of her eggs and broken. I was saddened, so i picked up the eggshell and threw it out. The rest of the night the bird was flying about in a crazed manner, seemingly looking for the egg. It was pretty heartbreaking. I checked using my phone and saw that there was another egg in the nest, so i was happy about that at least. The next morning i was happy to see that the bird was back on the nest sitting on the egg (this was likely the dad at this point). I left them alone for the next couple weeks, going into my yard very sparingly. I would occasionally peek up there with my camera to check on the progress, but never touched anything. A couple weeks later i went outside to water my flower bed and the bird flew out of it immediately. This was strange because it normally wouldnt mind me in the area. I decided to check on the nest and the chick had hatched! i was elated. i went back inside so the mom/dad would return to the nest. However, i peaked through my window several times through the day and it did not return. I started to worry that they had abandoned the nest. Finally at 10:30pm i wasnt going to let the baby be by itself all night, so i put on some vinyl gloves and took it inside for the night, under a ceramic lamp and a box. I was planning on placing it back in the nest if the birds did return. I had nothing to feed it so i just kept it warm all night. The next morning i looked out and i was happy to see one of the parents in the nest! i quickly took the bird and placed it in the nest. The parent flew away, but only to a nearby tree so it was fairly close. I placed the bird back and left it alone. I checked back and about an hour later, there it was, being fed by the parent! normally, this is where you could say they lived happily ever after. Unfortunately this was not the case. I checked on that evening around 8pm and noticed that neither parent was in the nest. This caught me a little by surprise, but i didnt think too much of it since they occasionally leave it empty periodically throughout the day. keep in mind, this baby was only 3-4 days old at this point. But i kept checking every 30 minutes or so, and up until 11pm, there was no parent. I started to worry. At this point i had done a little more research on mourning doves, their nesting habits, behaviors etc. and i was really hesitant to check on the baby or remove it from the nest again. I wrestled with it, but eventually decided to leave it alone and hope the parents would come back in the morning, so i went to sleep. The next morning i woke up expecting to see mom or dad on the nest, but i looked and to my dismay they were not there. At this point i had to intervene, to see if the baby was still alive. I walked out there, and grabbed my ladder, climbed to the top and looked in the nest. And to my horror- the nest was empty. no baby. no parents. nothing. I was heartbroken. From what i could tell, either the baby fell out of the nest, or one of the parents knocked the baby out when trying to fly away. I frantically spent most of the morning looking all over the place for the little bird, but found nothing. There are a lot of stray cats in the area, and i am almost certain that one came and got the baby. I know this is a really, really long post, but this is partly to vent about my sorrow and guilt for the situation, and to express the importance of educating ones self on the behavior of animals before jumping to conclusions. In all reality, i should have never touched the baby. After that, i should have never put the baby back. I truly feel like both babies' lives are on my hands and i have been so down since it happened. I doubt the parents will ever come back, and i dont blame them in the slightest. Thanks to anyone who stuck it through and read my story to the end.

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Let me try to explain what happened based on my experiences, and give my recommendations to anyone is this situation. The parent got spooked when you came near the nest. This is not a tragedy, at all. Adult dove parents (and many other birds) will do this when they perceive a serious threat, and they are hoping that you follow them instead of going to the nest. Once they are out of the nest, they will wait until there is no sign of you anywhere before they will return. They do not want to lead you or any predator to the nest. That is sacred knowledge! As far as abandonment, I have seen parents abandon nests with eggs in them when things don't go right, quite a few times. I have never seen them abandon hatched babies.. Eggs are easily replaceable, but babies are precious! So if you see a nest with babies in it, DO NOT worry about the parents coming back. I guarantee you they will, but NOT while you are looking/watching or in anywhere in view of the nest. So, my response to anyone who tells me about a situation like this (almost daily) is as follows: PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THE NEST. The birds know what they are doing. Let them do it! There is nothing that you can do that will be any help to the parents raising their young, and your very presence anywhere in view of the nest is a serious hindrance to them doing so. I made these videos because I wanted to see what happens in the nest without disturbing the birds (because a previous attempt at "just peeking with my phone" ended in tragedy!). I posted them here so you can see.what happens in YOUR nest without disturbing YOUR birds. That is the main point I wanted to make. Now, regarding taking the baby from the nest and putting it back. I fully agree, you should not have taken it. But I would like to point out the one situation where I feel going to the nest is the best option. If you find a baby that has fallen out of the nest and is still alive and well, putting the baby back in the nest is the best course of action. There is certainly risk that you might spook the other baby, if present, so be careful, quick and smooth. Keep your face as far away from the baby in the nest as possible. Once the fallen one is in the nest, do not stay to watch, leave the nest area and do not return - that is the only way the parent will come back. As far as the parents returning to nest at the same site, it would be no surprise to me if they did. The main reason I made the hanging basket nest is that they kept trying to nest in my hanging flower pots on the patio, where they were in reach of my dogs. They will hold no grudge against you. But, since nesting by the sprinkler controls is risky, you could always make a hanging basket nest like mine, hang it from a safe place out of direct sunlight (such as a north-facing eave), and if it suits their taste, they might just move right in.

[@shelleycharlesworth5177]

Uncle Kenny I am in San Diego and a pair of doves were trying to make a nest on a window ledge but the sticks kept falling. So after watching your videos, my partner and I took the top off an old wooden bird house and put some straw and twigs and pine needles in there and he wired it up near that ledge next to rain gutter down spout. They LOVE it and have been busy last 2 days adding more nest material. We are thrilled and eager to see what is to come. A bright spot in this horrid word wide situation! So thanks again for all your great videos!

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

That's great, Shelley! Thanks for watching, and Happy Birding!

[@bbear753]

Thanks for your video. Nature is not kind, it is what it is. You documented a family and shared with us. Love your naming scheme, it was a much simpler time.

[@GlycyGamesMusic]

Thanks for taking care of mother Nature. All species are friend, and we have a lot to learn more...

[@itssaaronn5292]

GetGoodTryHard Honestly, calling people a disability that they do not have is just pure idiocy.

[@martawelch678]

Why aren’t they friends? We live in the same place, we need to have respect for all living creatures, & care for those that need it.

[@danielscuiry2847]

Doves produce “crop milk” when they first hatch, then later feed water mixed with seeds. These videos would be great educational material for children ❤

[@smaybius]

Lost, orphaned, or pet baby pigeons and doves are fed with a store-bought or homemade crop milk through a syringe, but the tip of the syringe needs to be shaped like a parent's open beak to convince the baby that it's food.

[@danielscuiry2847]

@@smaybius you can also use small diameter clear plastic tubing made IV fluids or blood draws. It’s much easier and gentler than a syringe but either will work.

[@yehohanan7738]

Wonderful example made by our Creator ❤❤❤.

[@SheenaRea]

Such beautiful footage. Thank you so much.💚 I love doves!! They are awesome! 🥰 A very IMPORTANT video!! Yes, this is very valuable for us humans to understand how sudden noises can frighten wildlife. Anything we do can cause the inadvertent demise of a little one's life. Fireworks, loud ruckus of any kind, probably even loud human voices, etc. Whatever the case may be, it is important to see from a bird's point of view how delicate and fragile their lives are. Let's be mindful of nesting season, and protect the little birds and wildlife around us! THANK YOU KENNY and God bless you!!❤❤💚

[@turner2952]

What a beautiful video; thank you so much for producing this. I just love the little doves. I feed the birds on my back deck and have tons of visitors. I also have lots of trees in the back and the birds will sit on the branches and watch me while I fill the feeders. I can watch them from my kitchen window. Today, I observed two sweet little doves going through a courtship dance on the railing of my back deck. Nature is a great stress reliever! Again, thank you so much for such a heartwarming video. God bless you!

[@laraoloughlin6523]

Thanks for compiling and sharing this video. I found a newly hatched baby mourning dove on my lawn when a coconut frond holding the nest fell off the tree. (The sibling beside it was unfortunately already dead.) Its eyes were still closed when I found it. I had to use a heating pad and feed it baby bird formula with an oral syringe and a hole bored into the tip so the bird could stick its beak in and suck the formula out. It grew up strong and extremely tame and loving. It unfortunately passed away mysteriously while I had left it with a friend when I went on vacation. But it was an experience I'll never forget.

[@Soul-the-Mysterious]

Ward was the best bird dad ever

[@elianesato3538]

Thank you so much for this educational video. I have a dove hatching her eggs on my grape trellis. The problem is that I spray pesticide on my grapes every 2 weeks when the fruit are growing, to prevent fungus. I was very concerned that the pesticide would harm the dove and the eggs. On the other hand, if I don't spray I will lose all my crop of 6 grape vines. Well, I have suspended the spraying and tried to learn more about these birds. I've even considered to cover the eggs, and eventually the chicks, while spraying in order to protect them. But after watching this video, I'm convinced I should not even disturb them and they are worth of losing all my crops. I actually attracted them and many other birds to my yard by keeping 2 containers of clean water for them to drink and bath all year long - especially in the dry Californian Summer. Poor Beaver - my heart is broken just to think what happened to him.

[@ezears]

What wonderful footage, so glad I found this. A mourning dove has made a nest out of a nearly empty flower pot under our back porch high on a stone shelf. A few days went by until I noticed her perched in it. I wanted to learn about their nesting behavior so I found your YT channel. Slightly off topic, but I recently saved a baby hummingbird that apparently fell out of its nest, built under an eave on top of the bulb of a string of lights. Made a makeshift nest out of a jewelry cardboard box and strung it near the nest. The mother found her and continued to feed both. They both survived and watched them until they left their nest last month. (Interestingly another hummingbird has laid 2 eggs on this nest. I read they don't use the same nest). I started learning everything I could about hummingbirds. So now I'm really paying attention to the birds in our garden, not just feeding them and reading everything I can about doves and other birds. Thank you again for this.

[@DinFL]

Thank you for sharing the two videos. I enjoyed watching until tragedy struck. I had to fast forward because I hate to see harm come to any bird or animal. Three years ago I was lucky to have had mourning doves nest and birth two babies. At that time I didn’t even know what type of bird they were but was very eager to learn. So once I identified them as mourning doves, I wanted to know more and spent a great amount of time researching mourning doves. Every day I would check on them and eventually had the pleasure of seeing the top of two tiny heads pop up and down so I knew the eggs had hatched. I was so excited and found myself becoming quite attached to the whole family. Then one day the nest was empty (the kids had left home). I really missed all of them more than I thought I would but so glad I had the opportunity to witness and learn all about mourning doves. I now own several bird feeders and can always count on mourning doves to visit multiple times a day to enjoy all of the various and nutritious bird seeds made available for their eating pleasure.

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks for watching!

[@barbaraortiz3001]

This was a beautiful bird story please do another my heart stopped when beaver got scared n flew out I could feel June’s moment of stunned pain then when Daddy stopped mid feed to-call for baby beaver I started crying..

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Unfortunately, I'm not in a situation that allows me to make more dove videos, but you can find a previous series with 5 videos on my channel. It shows a lot more interaction between the parents and babies.

[@stlouiscitygirl3149]

Wow! Thank you so much for posting this. We have a mourning dove couple that laid it’s 2nd egg yesterday and first egg the day before. Ironically, they made nest in a geranium I named after my Mom who passed 2 years ago and tomorrow’s Mother’s Day. Thank you for posting this. Now I know what to expect.

[@levanmachaidze7909]

The came back or not?

[@allsaintsnorthshore]

Love this! We have doves nest on the inside ledge of our porch each year. They return three times a season and it is bliss to watch them care for the squabs and then to see the squabs walk the "runway" testing their wings and getting ready to fledge. Truly one of the many wonders of the world. Thank you for this. What a treat!

[@kirstiechadseycoaching]

Amazing video!! I have 2 babies 8 days in my backyard now. Thanks so much for sharing this!! I did cry, but so beautiful to see the family grow.

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks for watching!

[@kalaylaseehafer5195]

Awwww! These videos were really helpful! I have mourning doves and I'm really worried one is dead or left the nest! I can never tell them apart.

[@ziziaixianluo]

Who feel heart melts when he is putting her baby eggs under his belly？

[@MsDarsh003]

Thank you so much for making and publishing this video. It's absolutely remarkable! It's been really pleasing to see how birds behave, their natural behaviour. Can't thank enough for making such a great video. Keep it up👍👍👍

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks for watching! If you're interested, I also have a 5-video series I recorded the year before I did this one. It shows a lot more of the behavior, longer clips. Enjoy! kzbin.info/aero/PLxCU29AX7QwjLJa8uxOcgF5JPJIkf6zGe

[@nellebelle30]

God bless you for being so kind!

[@annecohen8927]

What a huge treat for me to be seeing it!!! I saw a video of this type of dove that was snared in a golden orb weaver spiders web that was aired on you tube many years ago. I was looking all over for the mourning dove family and you gave us several videos of them!!! Thank you!!❤️❤️❤️❤️ ( the dove was freed by this man who took off remaining webs from her feathers and sent her on her way where she settled in the tree top). I don’t know where this video was filmed.

[@barbaramartell1055]

AWSOME and educational timeline.Thank you! It really is amazing how fast birds grow on a daily basis. I really enjoyed seeing the progression.🐣🐥

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks for watching!

[@ZestyFoods]

I thought the parents will go crazy to find Beaver. But they stayed quite normal. Like it’s ok. I know it’s kind of impossible for them to put the baby back into the nest but still I saw some other bird moms start getting panic. MJM

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Ward did call out for Beaver after every feeding for 2 days, but he never answered. I was never able to find him.

[@Jayyy048]

It looks like she did panic a little. Look how still she say for so long. She was completely stunned. It was like she was doing her best to stay calm. It’s like if she was a person you could almost see she’s like “stay calm, stay calm, it’s okay, my baby will come back, he knows where he lives, he will come home.” Then the dad came back and called for Beaver to come home. Animals actually do grieve. The father continually calling for his son was very sad.

[@sartajsingh8868]

I have had the privilege to witness the entire process around 5 times in our lawn. I would sit below the nest and try imitate their sounds in order to make a bond with them. I could do it all day with my family telling me constantly to stop intruding into their space. Unfortunately I moved to a different city and miss these beauties.

[@CenturianEagle]

This is a great video! I got about a third of a way in though and then saw in the comments that there was tragedy and I didn’t want to watch the rest. Although I know it’s a part of life that not every chick will make it necessarily, however I still don’t want to see that as the video has been so good so far. Thanks for sharing ! 🥰

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

I'll tell you all about the "tragedy" and let you decide whether you want to watch it. A few days before Beaver would have fledged (left the nest) normally, a loud motorcycle driving down the road behind my house backfired, and startled Beaver to fledge prematurely. He jumped out of the nest, and was never seen again. All you see is him jumping out of the nest. His older sibling, Wally, successfully fledges and meets up with his parents a couple days later. Thanks for watching and your kind comments.

[@hordetrooper]

so beautiful, thank you for the lovely videos. so sad the first one got scared and lost

[@sabrinag4158]

Hello. Thank you for sharing this video. I share a very low fence with my neighbor. Yesterday, we were both outside and she yelled, "Hurry there's a baby bird I don't know if it's alive, but I don't want Toby (her dog who was outside) to get it." I quickly grabbed a shoebox and gloves. It was alive, I had some material from a basket planter that I never used, scooped it up and put it in. It was early in the day, so I left the box in a sunny area and tried to do some quick research. Long story short, it was a baby mourning dove and we always see a pair of doves in the backyard. I could not locate a nest, so I watched and waited. A few hours later I saw the parents. I move the baby gate I had surrounded it with and he hopped through the fence and reunited with them. I watched as the mom fed the bird like in your video. I walked away feeling relieved. Today I come across your video and now I'm nervous. Did I do the right thing? Will that baby be able to get back into the nest?? 🙁

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

If the parents found it, they will continue to care for it. You did just fine.

[@JeanetteFaith]

Maybe Beaver made it! I once found a baby robin in my back yard. I called someone who put me in touch with a "Bird Lady" who told me how to care for it. It was a great 3-week experience. If anyone wants to know how I took care of Mylo just ask and I will tell you.

[@TK-zj8mk]

Always wondered. I went to a university bird rehabilitation center during an open house and asked them that very question. All they told me was to leave it alone and let nature do its thing. Unfortunately I have a bleeding heart and can't prevent myself from intervening. These birds represent peace. What's wrong with trying to keep the peace?

[@CenturianEagle]

kay armstrong that’s awesome! Good on ya for helping it. That must have been pretty awesome to care for it, I love birds so much

[@JeanetteFaith]

@@CenturianEagle Yes it was a great experience to raise a bird. Baby Robin named Mylo. My son was 3 1/2 years old and got a big kick out it as well. Mylo's first little flight was from my hand to the top of my head. I guess my long, spiral permed hair resembled a birds nest!! lol

[@CenturianEagle]

kay armstrong 😆 that must have been great. Robins are so adorable. There’s this fat one always outside of my house that always has something in his beak like a worm etc and his calls and noises are always high pitched, he’s so cute. They can be such characters when you get to know them, ya know?

[@jojobee42]

Love the video! Though I got very sad about Beaver - poor thing! I've done bird rescue for years, mainly collecting these chicks from the ground that came off the nest too early. They don't survive out there long, it's too dangerous for them. 😥

[@johnteeple3372]

Even I got scared when the car backfired

[@jagadeeshanarve5667]

Very cute and a beautiful video.The parents look so neat and clean..

[@bitzovhadez7214]

Lovely video. I have this pigeon nesting on my window and it's the cutest thing ever. It would leave its baby for hours, sometimes all night, but would return to it the moment it got rainy or windy. The little thing would rise on its legs and flex its tiny wings whenever I approached it to leave some seeds for its mommy.

[@armidam6671]

Would you approach them?? One is nesting on my pant I need to water the near by plants but I'm nervous it will fly away and never come back.

[@martawelch678]

We had a nesting family who just put up with us. They were close to our front door, which 5 people & 3 dogs go in & out of all hours of the day & night. They looked up at us, but stayed put. We put a fresh dish of water near them every day. We never saw them take any, but some of it was gone every day. I think once they’ve chosen their spot, they stick with it!

[@joannewagner1910]

Absolutely priceless! Thank you.

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks for watching!

[@christinesears218]

I was drawn to this video as at present we have nesting mourning doves in a bush in our garden.We have watched The parents build the nest and can watch at a safe distance from our kitchen window that mum or dad sits on the nest throughout the day.Today we noticed a broken shell below the bush so as to not attract predators ,I have moved the shell away.from watching your video we now realise the importance of not letting our outside door slam shut in the wind as we don't won't what happened to Beaver repeat itself.We were so enjoying watching this little family unit and were so devastated to see what happened 🥺🥺.Thank you for your time and effort that went into this video.

[@Cloacting]

much love to you and all this beautiful family, I love doves! much much love

[@joannevickers6990]

Loved watching both videos to explain their life cycle. I had a family n'est and fledge in my garage port. It was an absolute delight to be so near to Nature. We have had doves come back to start nests in the same place, but they start and never finish. I wish I knew why. Perhaps it is because we are in and out of our garage throughout the day. Thank you for your video. At the moment, there is a baby dove under my hedges and her parents are still very attentive. My presence doesn't seem to bother them, but I don't interfere or 'hover'. Such simple pleasures...

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Regarding starting and not finishing nests, they will attempt to nest just about anywhere, but if there is too much interference going around, they'll move. In my experience, the male is pretty much fearless, but the female can be more skittish about people, animals and other birds near the site. Since their goal requires a whole month of egg and chick care without being discovered by predators, it's understandable. You might want to install a convenient "nest" like I did, in a safer place, in order to lure them away from the busy carport. I'd be happy to share all the details about what I've learned. Maybe I should make a "how to" video about it.

[@sherry123169]

Excellant videos both part 1 and 2!! Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us. I have often wondered but never would intrude on mother nature!! Thanks again! 💖💖💖

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Sherry!

[@pbjcreative5510]

Thanks, Kenny, this was so educational. So touching to see what devoted and loving parents Mourning Doves are.

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks Pamela!

[@tatkinsful]

You did great sir ! Tried everything available to you to "help" them out but in the end......that is just the way nature does things. Life is tough for all and no guarantee on life at any point human or bird. Thanks for 2 awesome videos that helped me a LOT !

[@HinaSunniva]

Found a newborn baby morning dove in my yard day before yesterday Its eyes were closed. I fed him some wheat and oats powder mix with water every few hours, today I found the nest, want to put the baby back in. Your video was very helpful to understand their behavior. I will put the baby back tomorrow.

[@armidam6671]

I have the same breed of Doves nesting on an off the ground plant next to a planted palm tree. She's been there for over a week. The dad is never far. We have food and clean water near by, maybe that's why they choose my backyard. Regardless, I'm always so cautious when I go outside I don't want to scare her away.

[@kanekachhim7241]

wow, thank you for this video. I just had a nest of mourning doves with 2 babies in my backyard and they left last week. I didn't find out about them until about a week after they hatched. I would watch them from inside the house several times a day. One of the parents was always there and be very still. I could not catch a moment of them moving or feeding the babies so I was happy to see how they do it in your video. Like one other person said, they must have felt ok with me walking by because I had to whenever I took out the trash. I also have dogs that go potty in the backyard and the birds were ok with it. The nest was high up on top of the fence so dogs couldn't catch them. I think the babies left when the parents weren't around because that night, I saw the parents in the backyard. And then, I haven't seen them again. I sure hope they come back and nest here again.

[@TiticatFollies]

So wonderful! For a NYC-slicker, it is such a joy and a treat to watch this. Thank you.

[@kaylutz944]

Watching a nest outside my family room. Love these amazing birds. Thank you!

[@Tennisluv12]

I have mourning doves nesting outside on my windowsill two eggs showed up today. I'm excited to see them hatch.

[@oooops537]

What fabulous idea to do with old flower pots ! lovin it . Doves are the sweetest of angels ... Their coo song vibrates through my heart.

[@smarthungyo]

Such a beautiful bird.

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks for watching!

[@klindstrom8891]

Beautiful. really love this. Pigeons are my favorite animal but mourning doves are so lovely . Their song is unforgettable....

[@kkbird21]

Thank you for sharing! I saw a broken shell under my orange tree and knew a baby hatched, but was worried when I climbed a ladder (not too close) to see the baby (maybe 7 days old?) alone. Mom and Dad are very comfortable with me, so I assumed they would return. Late yesterday evening I saw Mom on her baby, so very relieved. I'm nervous though because there is concrete directly under the nest, so I placed a large flat cardboard box underneath just in case baby falls out. Your time lapse helps me to know when I can expect the fledgling stage, at which time my cats will not be going outside! RIP Beaver 🙏

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Yes, the parents can act quite comfortable with our presence, but the babies can be spooked pretty easily, especially as they're closer to fledging. My videos are here to show you what's going on in the nest so you don't need to climb up to see. Please let the birds do their thing undisturbed. Thanks, and happy birding!

[@suemp1114]

Thanks for the informative video. We have a nest in one of our hanging baskets and by watching the video I know what to expect. I think the eggs have hatched so I guess we have 2 weeks to go.

[@intuneorange]

Millet seeds are free on my city window sill. I Have 20 visitors 0n a cold day. The older birds let the younger birds get 1st pick .

[@dove111]

We have those in our backyard. At first I thought it was owls because of the sounds they make. They are very pretty!

[@anitagirani7890]

Loved watching the process.....doves nest on our back patio light and have been for the past 10 years.. I often wonder if it’s the babies coming back, or parents birthing another brood ...they are amazing to watch, and I’m sad when they fly off ...I miss them. ❤️loved this video very informative..nature is a wonderful thing💓

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

It could easily be returning parents, an adult returning baby and their mate, or all new doves. If they've been nesting there for 10 years, it could be several generations of "family".

[@comedygumballmachine4748]

Wow.... amazing videos!!! Sounds like the mother called out for Beaver repeatedly from what I can hear... so so sad :( Thanks so much for sharing this... very educational. ... especially about removing the eggshells & at how amazingly FAST they grow!

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks for watching! Actually it was the father who called out for Beaver. He did it for 2 days after each time he fed Wally.

[@johanneh9056]

Thank you. That was so informative. I have a couple nesting in a basket under my patio eave and wasn't sure what to do. Now I know not to feed the doves too close to the nest and to peek in closely, which is so tempting. I will set up my bird feeder on the opposite side of the house tomorrow. Outstanding videos (both of them). Thanks for taking the time to edit what must have been hours and hours. It was well worthwhile.

[@risenshineministries504]

I had this occur in our tree in the backyard! Thanks for this video! Never saw them fledge! And one morning the nest was gone! I hope nothing happened!

[@Itried20takennames]

They were probably okay, so long as the babies were able to get up on some branches, even if they couldn’t fly at first. Dove nests are not known for their quality, and many fall early. The parents know where the young are and feed/teach them for a good amount of time as they learn to fly and feed themselves.

[@its_woah9475]

They grow up so fast 🥲☺️

[@drmrgod]

It seems to me that these birds grow at a faster rate than some others, eg: robins. After 1 day, Wally looked much larger than baby robins do after 1 day. At least it looks that way. By the way, excellent job on both parts of this!!

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

They do grow incredibly fast! I think one reason is the availability of food. Mourning doves only eat seeds. Seeds are easy for the parents to find and harvest, easier than finding worms and bugs. Also, mourning doves typically only lay 2 eggs at a time, so each baby gets more of the food the parents bring. Because the entire nesting cycle only takes a month, mourning doves can have 4+ broods in a season, depending on local climate. That's why they are so successful.

[@drmrgod]

@@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny Makes sense, thanks.

[@sonjar1853]

Uncle Kenny, amazing job! Absolutely stellar! Thank you.

[@scheis123]

I love mourning doves. I had one as a pet for 21 years and really miss him. You did a great job on the video.

[@jaspremier5588]

Thanks for good 2 clips. Fm Thailand,😊😊

[@maclec5315]

Thanks very much for posting this video Kenny! I have a mating pair of Mourning doves nesting atop my front-door night-light and you've given me a detailed insight into what's been going on up there for at least the last two Summers.! I'd read about their mating and chick- rearing procedures but seeing them was something very special. Mine are named Orville and Harriet. An Homage to Orville Wright and Harriet Quimby, the first male (1903) & female (1911) American aviators. Their second clutch named Wilbur and Amelia with obvious derivation.

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks! Yes, it was that curiosity about what's happening in the nest that inspired me to make the video in the first place. Best wishes to Orville and Harriet, sounds like they have been quite successful. Happy Birding!

[@iriniscorner1995]

Thank you! These vids helped me understand my mourning doves the first time they came to make a nest.

[@yeliao]

I have heard this haunting call for a few years now in Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep., but never got to know what bird makes that call. Watching this video, finally I came to know, it’s a mourning dove! and the call gave the name to the bird! (Tórtola is the name in Spanish, also paloma rabiche.) Thanks for posting these nice videos!

[@barbarakhan507]

Amazing how fast they grew !

[@1789tanya]

Oh man!!! Thank you so much for this.. I have one sweet couple whove laid two eggs On a tiny nest they built over an old suitcase in my balcony. I am so excited to have them. Thank you for this video, i am looking forward to witnessing this myself. Its so precious

[@shelleycharlesworth5177]

One of the pair of doves is now sitting on the nest the pair made in the nest box we provided!

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

That means you probably have at least one egg in there already!

[@shelleycharlesworth5177]

Oh I hope so! The pair has been putting sticks and leaves in the nest box every day for 5 days now. We are trying not to scare them.

[@donnar278]

Can you imagine Independence Day and all the fireworks? Many birds and animals are separated due to the shock. So sad.

[@quandarkumtanglehairs4743]

Exactly. Humans and our toys are just utterly unpeaceful and unconscionably destructive.

[@definitelyjulia]

Wow they grow fast!

[@dmarcus1260]

What a great video! We had a pair of doves recently make a nest in a hanging potted plant (much like your's) looking over the back porch. I looked forward to seeing them everyday. A couple of weeks ago I was very concerned for their welfare as we had a heatwave for a few days when the temperature got up to 104. Surprisingly they fared quite well but I put a pot of cool water nearby just in case. We only saw one baby bird. It's amazing how fast it grew. Last Friday the baby and the parents seemed to have deserted the nest. I haven't seen them since but I have seen more nesting material hanging over the pot. I also hear them flying around and cooing constantly. While they were nesting here I think they somehow sensed I wouldn't harm them. A couple of times I forgot to duck down when I was taking out the trash. I was practically only a few inches from them but they didn't fly away or look startled. They're amazing birds.

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

If you see new material and hear lots of cooing, it means they're nesting again. She'll probably lay in the next few days...

[@shycat5905]

Lovely story and footage. Nature isn't always happily ever after. Ps. I love the sound their wings make when flying.

[@mishaturner2219]

It's not their wings it's just the sound they make

[@shycat5905]

@@mishaturner2219 yes but the whistling sound is caused by their feathers or something like that. It's cool though. Then there's the "mourning " cooing.

[@a.kruger2770]

a loud car isn't nature. :(

[@nobeefextranoodles6682]

Love these footage! Thank you for working so hard on editing and sharing the growth of this lovely family uncle Ben!💕

[@vinnies4497]

I love this video nice story

[@SM-ef5rl]

The mother bird June rolled the egg towards her crop which was so cute

[@6969uranus]

Beautiful Birds, I have 20 mornng doves, that come to my backyard morning and early evening, waiting for their daily feed, as well as regular pigeons and sometimes about 30 + sparrows, cardinals, and one blue jay once in a while. I love it, it reminds me of my childhood in Havana where I had about 100 + .Courier pigeons, triplets, and others at different times, and yes one morning dove that I would open the pigeon house for their daily twice or three times flying exercise.

[@user-ew2pg2nq7s]

Andres Castro I love the birds 🐦🐦🐦🐦

[@THEOFFICIALNRG504]

I’ve noticed I have 2 morning doves in my backyard just sitting in the grass ? How could you tell if they have a nest near by ?

[@justincowherd8947]

I AM NRG : i now have 5 in my backyard,in georgia, when do they maye, nest hatch. How can i identify their nest. I love hearimg them at dusk

[@JB-nz8ph]

Your videos are wonderful and most appreciated. I was lucky to have a pair of mourning doves nest and lay eggs in the last few days on my back fence, right outside my kitchen window :-) I am thrilled to watch the process and feel blessed they feel safe so close to humans. Thanks again for all the work you put into your videos. Fantastic.

[@terrgall]

I loved your video! It explains everything I have been observing this past month. All I saw outside my kitchen window was this 'poor' dove sitting on the nest which seemed like forever and never leaving to eat. Last week I did find an egg shell on the ground but no further change- I was so worried and then this morning I spied TWO parents and TWO chicks having a grand time! So relieved!!!

[@terrgall]

HUGE UPDATE within a matter of minutes!!!! Just came thru the front door and low and behold ONE OF THE CHICKS WAS ON THE GROUND. Because of all the feed back, I put it immediately back in the nest. NOW AN IMPORTANT QUESTION! I think it was pushed out because the nest is too small. CAN I ENLARGE THE NEST?

[@syangtar]

@@terrgall Like you, I recently found a pair trying to bring some twigs and straws on my washroom window deck. Continued the effort for 4 days to lay the nest, but then I noticed, due to wind, all their effort dropped 20 ft down on my side door area. Felt really bad, because the surface was flat with no fence down the wall. Assuming the spot got abandoned, suddenly one morning, both parents appeared with new twigs. Those twigs got swiped by wind again right in front of my eye. Then came an idea of an artificial fence to put at the deck edge using drywall paste. Brought some fallen twigs and straws back to the spot and waited patiently to see if they can adopt the spot again. So glad they love the new spot and now I am seeing the first egg laid two days ago. Worried sick that one parent is sitting on it days, thanks to this video, I now learned that parents do shift to sit on them. Hope I get to see many more days of their life through my washroom windows.

[@hydrangeaism]

Thank you so much for your time in sharing such amazing footage with us. Gratitude!

[@pursuehappiness8962]

Beautiful. I have had my Inca for 11 years now. His legs are weak but he walks a lot. Just doesn’t perch. Doesn’t fly much either. But in his youth, he flew all over. Landed on my head and loved my big dog. Great video. Thank you very much.

[@JJ-ew9lq]

We have pair of mourning doves nesting in our carport. They're on their 2nd set of chicks. They are great to watch. This was very informative. Thank you!

[@moihawk666]

i got my first pair earlier this week so now im trying to be prepared just in case they need my help

[@JJ-ew9lq]

@@moihawk666 They are now on their 3rd set chicks in the last few months. They remind me of the Irish Catholic families I grew up with.

[@boybossmamahomeschool]

😭😭 I love this so much ! Thank you for sharing !

[@tahsina.alkhuwaiter9990]

I have like 50 pigeons different bloodlines and colors. Actually they make that sound before feeding the babies cause they push the feed up their chest. Very nice video.

[@mat1988ize]

Very interesting. Yet would still come to be associated with feeding. Pavlov's Theory

[@GingiviticCinemaMaya]

Miracle of nature. ❤

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks for watching!

[@GingiviticCinemaMaya]

@@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny You're welcome. The video is amazing. I was just sad for the little bird...

[@nancyj5562]

Thank you for sharing these amazing videos!!! I could NOT figure out why my Vizsla was outside standing in the SAME position for over 5 hours then I went outside my kitchen window and looked up at what she was staring at and there it was....an adult dove nesting. Leave it to a Vizsla to find a bird lol. So now I have to quarantine that area off because my dog is no doubt stressing that family out. I am an avid bald eagle fan and know a lot about their nesting activities, etc., so I stumbled upon this video to learn how doves raise their own. Thanks again!!!

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thank you for watching, and your kind words. Good luck with the dog! Mourning doves are not very smart about where they nest, and many nests fail. They are equipped for this in that they can nest and lay again almost immediately after a failed attempt.

[@nancyj5562]

Thanks for the heads up....ya I noticed one of their eggs fell out of their nest and into my garden. My Vizsla is relentless so it's not going to be easy to keep her away. So far the mom and dad have been coming and going a lot lately bringing sticks, etc. I think next year I will create a hanging plant type thing for them to nest in under my patio cover. I like that idea. We live in a very quiet neighborhood with the exception of "the dogs" lol. Thanks again!!

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

If they're bringing sticks, they're already rebuilding. They may have new eggs there in the next few days. Now is a great time to give them a safer spot, and shoo them away from where they are. Dollar stores usually have hanging flower pots. Fill it halfway or more with dirt, add some grasses, weeds and pine needles on top in a circle, and they'll arrange it the way they like. I made my own hanger out of a wire coat hanger because after a couple of years, the plastic ones broke in a wind storm. They'll likely move right in, and they will also prevent others from nesting anywhere else on your property, because they are territorial around their nest.

[@nancyj5562]

great idea!!! I'll let you know what happens

[@nancyj5562]

Uncle Kenny I owe you a HUGE THANK YOU!!!!! I cannot BELIEVE this but just a little over 20 minutes ago I put up the hanging planter outside my house (fairly close to where the doves were nesting on top of the wall) and I filled the planter with soil and put in some pine needles and a few sticks and was planning on adding some soft grasses after right? Well.....you won't believe this but mom AND dad are already in the nest bowl and adding stuff to it!!!! I cannot believe they got in there so quickly. WOW!!!! I am sooooooo happy to see this!!! Thank you soooo much for all your advice. Now I have to put up a gate to keep my Vizsla away from that area. I hope we have babies soon!!!! You're the best!!! Thanks again!!!

[@RabelFibal1]

They are beautiful birds...love the dove!

[@jcsmith1135]

Thanks again for another fantastic production - just like watching National Geographic!!

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks for watching!

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Thanks for the compliment!

[@edwardhopkins7538]

loved it ,thank you, so sorry about the Beaver....

[@alicedevens2896]

This is so beautiful..i have 2 doves that are building there next under our carport..3 years ago, straight for two years besr there young. Last year we had none, but this year again, and in the same spot.im wondering if there the same 2..cant wait to see what happens, we got alot of rain yesterday and I didn't see them, yesterday or todsy, I pray they come back and finish there next and have there babies, tge y are beautiful to watch.truely amazing ty for sharing this vedio..i love doves

[@JoeChioda]

Amazing footage. We’ve been watching a nest under our deck for months now. Mom and dad are on their second set of hatchlings. After fledging, the first two hun out together near the nest for weeks before disappearing. The next two haven’t fledged yet but should be soon. They are amazing creatures and appears they are not frightened of us and we’re very careful not to get too close to the nest. Thanks for sharing this.

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

I believe the previous broods often roost with Dad at night. After Wally fledged, the whole family would gather on the power lines each evening, and then all 5 would fly off to roost in trees nearby