[RichieLion]

I have doves nesting in the wreath on my front door and the baby's have hatched and are adorable. We've roped off the front path to give them privacy and to prevent harm coming to the hatchlings.

I was able to take these photos when the parents switched duties this morning and the mother and hatchlings just froze as I got close with my camera. After I got my pics the famished hatchlings were fed by Mommy; both of them with their beaks in Mommy's at the same time.

[Halle]

Originally Posted by RichieLion

I have doves nesting in the wreath on my front door and the baby's have hatched and are adorable. We've roped off the front path to give them privacy and to prevent harm coming to the hatchlings.

I was able to take these photos when the parents switched duties this morning and the mother and hatchlings just froze as I got close with my camera. After I got my pics the famished hatchlings were fed by Mommy; both of them with their beaks in Mommy's at the same time.

Thanks for the pictures Richie, they are great!

Those Doves are pretty smart, why build a nest when you have a wreath at home.

[duffysmom]

Doves are amazing birds. Thank you for the beautiful pictures and for protecting the little ones.

[RichieLion]

Originally Posted by duffysmom

Doves are amazing birds. Thank you for the beautiful pictures and for protecting the little ones.

I understand the doves will keep coming back to a successful nesting site, so I guess I'll have to remove the usual wreath from my door after the family has gone. I don't think I want to lose the use of my front door regularly (also, what the birds drop on my door mat is not pretty)

[In awe of TV]

Richie,

Doves do in fact return every year. I had a dove build a nest in my wreath one year and after the birds were hatched and left the nest, my front door was a complete mess. I had to repaint it because of the staining.

I removed the wreath and the year after the dove returned only to build her nest in my hanging plant. By the time I noticed, there were already little eggs in the nest and I didn't have the heart to take it down. My plant unfortunately wasn't so lucky, it didn't survive.

This year, I don't have a wreath and have not put any plants in the hanger, not yet anyway.

I see you have a window in your door - you may not get the staining.

They certainly are cute to watch grow. Good luck.

[ajbrown]

Really nice pictures. Almost looks like they are decorative and part of the basket. Not sure about next year, maybe a hawk statue by the front door?

[DaleMN]

Doves....a wonderful sign of peace.

[RichieLion]

Originally Posted by In awe of TV

Richie,

Doves do in fact return every year. I had a dove build a nest in my wreath one year and after the birds were hatched and left the nest, my front door was a complete mess. I had to repaint it because of the staining.

I removed the wreath and the year after the dove returned only to build her nest in my hanging plant. By the time I noticed, there were already little eggs in the nest and I didn't have the heart to take it down. My plant unfortunately wasn't so lucky, it didn't survive.

This year, I don't have a wreath and have not put any plants in the hanger, not yet anyway.

I see you have a window in your door - you may not get the staining.

They certainly are cute to watch grow. Good luck.

So far the door looks fine. The best part of the window is I get to watch the daily goings on. It's textured glass, but I get a decent view. Not so good for pictures, though.

[l2ridehd]

Just place a stand with an open nesting area or hang the wreath somewhere near the door and they will build there next year. If you move it 8 to 10 feet away and provide some protection from the rain, you will have them return every year. Great pictures.

[Tbugs]

Great pictures, Richie.

[GeorgeT]

Wow, I've been looking for doves in all the wrong places!

[K9-Lovers]

Of all the threads you have started, RichieLion, this is my favorite. Thanks for taking such beautiful photos and sharing with us!

[bkcunningham1]

GeorgeT, that was too funny.

Richie, those photos could win a contest. Beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen baby doves. Aww, you and Mrs. RichieLion are too nice. I don't know many people who would go to the extremes you did to protect those babies. Perfect photos for Passover and Easter. Peace.

Happy Easter my friend.

[RichieLion]

Thanks Halle, Duffysmom, AJ, Dale, 12ride, Bugs, K9 and BK. I'm really getting a kick out of watching the progression of these little guys lives.

If the parents give me another good chance I will take and post more photos as the hatchlings get bigger.

[katezbox]

Originally Posted by RichieLion

Thanks Halle, Duffysmom, AJ, Dale, 12ride, Bugs, K9 and BK. I'm really getting a kick out of watching the progression of these little guys lives.

If the parents give me another good chance I will take and post more photos as the hatchlings get bigger.