Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Nest update - we have chicks!

By my totally unscientific calculations, our chicks are probably about 6 days old. This is the first opportunity I've had to safely confirm that they had hatched - the one on the left is facing me the one on the right is facing away. We arrived home from running a few errands and as I came up the front walk I realized the nest was void of an adult dove. It was evening switch over time and the combination of this stage of the chicks' development and the very warm weather means mama and papa might occasionally leave them alone for a few minutes. I seized the opportunity, popped my camera out my purse and took this shot before mama flew in and hovered in the tree next to the veranda. I quickly put the planter and it's precious cargo back on the hook and went inside the house.

A scant couple of minutes later mama was back on the nest and giving me a steely glance that only a parent can give.
So far this is their 4th nesting and second pair of chicks this year. Stay tuned.

8 comments:

  1. Oh, how sweet. I do hope they go safely into the world and stay safe.

    You certainly give them a great start in life.

    My, but you being given the dirty-birdy eye from mama!

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  2. They are too sweet. I wish I knew what was happening in my robin's nest. Too high up to see in.

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  3. How wonderful!! It warms the heart. Thanks for sharing these great photos and chronicling this amazing little event.

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  4. How lucky you are to have attracted these nesting doves. I think I may move one of my hanging planters into the shade. Love your photos!!

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  5. Elaine, this is THE best "reality tv" going! I am so enthralled by this. And I cannot get over the fact that the doves are almost treating you guys like you are the tenants! This is hilarious!

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  6. What wonderful shots of your new borns and how lucky that you were able to get the shot. Mama doesn't know how lucky she is to have you as a neighbour. Thanks for sharing and for stopping by my blog.
    Smiles

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  7. That's so cute! =) I'm looking forward to seeing how it works out for them.

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