[lizardlady]

thought I'd post an update on the baby dove in the barn....

It's gotten so big I thought it was it's mother today! It's got feathers and was hopping around outside the nest today. Little blighter is growing up fast! I did a little online research and found out they will hop around to test out and strengthen their wings. It's been fun watching it grow up. According to the research I did the adults nest yearround so I can expect more babies thoughout the year.

I tried taking pictures of it, but the part of the barn where the nest is is too dark for good pictures. Maybe I can get some pictures when it comes outside.

[ArthurDent]

I'll be waiting for the pics! We had a Robin's nest in our garage, and several bunny nests in our yard this year. It was great fun watching their progress

Hopefully you can get some pics LL, what a joy to have in your barn!

[Maven]

Oh, yes, would love to see pics! Make sure you ask if it's ok, though...some animals don't appreciate you putting their pics online. You never know if someone's going to steal the photos and try to "catfish" someone. :P (Is the catfish the one who's getting duped, or the one who's doing the duping? I don't know nuthin'!)

[lizardlady]

Well, there won't be any pictures. The entire bird family "flew the coop." The nest is empty. I know next to nothing about doves so I don't know if this is normal behavior. I still hear the adults cooing so they haven't gone far. They just aren't in the nest.

[Travelinglady]

Could they have moved to have more privacy? I don't know that much about doves either.

[Fluttrbye]

To Lizardlady,

I would suspect that the dove family is still around and probably won't go far if there is food and water around. It only takes a number of days for a fledgling to leave the nest/barn and then the parents will probably help the nestling/fledgling learn how to feed on its own.

Every year we get different baby birds species leaving their nests. Some are more feathered and coordinated than others, in different stages of developement. All depending on if they left the nest on their own baby wings, fell out, or a rain/wind storm swept/blew them out. But all are very CUTE!!

I would think that the doves around your place will be there for you to see again, year after year!!!

[lizardlady]

The pair of adults is still hanging around the barn. Based on some "activity" I saw yesterday I believe they are starting another family. I think I saw the baby hanging around this morning.

Fluttrby, thanks for the info that they can fledge fast.

[Maven]

We'll "stay tuned" for any updates!