This is a brief followup to yesterday’s post about a gopher snake eating two nestling doves. This morning at the Park I told some fellow docents about what I had observed, and added that I felt very sorry for the mother dove, who seemed paralyzed with grief after the event. One of them assured me that doves don’t have a memory for such things, and that within a few minutes she had probably forgotten the whole thing.
I went back this morning to show a friend the tree and nest. There, sitting on the empty nest, was a mourning dove of the same size as the one I observed yesterday. I’m quite certain it was the same dove, and that she has not yet forgotten the loss of her babies.
Lest you accuse me of anthropomorphism, I consider that a compliment. Please see my post “Is Anthropomorphism Really A Bad Thing?”
I can't tell doves apart. I always think it is the same dove in my carport--now on her fourth batch of twins this year--but I also know they do borrow ready-made nests. But why else would they be called "mourning" doves.
ReplyDeleteWell, they're called that because of their sad-sounding "coo." I can't be 100% sure this is the same dove, but I think chances are it is. Poor little thing. She needs to find a nice boy dove and start another family.
DeleteAre dove dads absentee fathers? Seems I read/heard that they stuck around after building the nest . . .
ReplyDeleteThey do show up at least occasionally, and also help feed the chicks. I saw only the mother during this sad saga.
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