While out birding this afternoon I walked upon a Mourning Dove coming out of a tree. I stepped back and watched. The dove gathered nesting material off the ground and flew into a pine tree. It would drop into a nest under construction. Sometimes the dove would stay in the nest for a short time after bringing something in and do a little construction work, and moving around to round the nest out. It was only one bird doing all the work. After about 15 minutes the bird stopped, perched near the nest and took a break. It was exciting to watch! It was a cold morning with temps around 30 to start. Full sun but the winds were strong making it feel like winter was still here. Images were taken on March 25, 2019.
Mourning Dove carrying nesting material, a twig to the nest location…
Mourning Dove carrying more nesting material, a twig to the nest location…
Mourning Dove carrying nesting material, a leaf to the nest location…
Dropping down into the nest location…
Dropping down more…
Near the nest under construction…
Mourning Dove in the nest under construction, doing some work…
Mourning Dove carrying in a leaf to the nest…
Into the nest, but the dove seems to look at me but then continues it’s work…
The dove turned around and drops down into the nest…
Mourning Dove gathers nesting material off the ground before flying to the nest…
More carrying of nest material…
Mourning Dove holding a leaf above the nest…
Drops into the nest…
Mourning Dove in the nest working on things…
More gathering of nesting material on the ground near the nest…
To the nest…
To the nest…
Into the nest…
Above the nest with nesting material…
In the nest working…
Another leaf for the nest…
Mourning Dove takes a break near the nest on a limb…
Those are terrific pics, thanks for sharing!
Excellent series of photos Jim.
Wonderful observation of details, thanks for sharing!
Your pictures help us appreciate the beauty of perceived common birds.
Thanks for the reminder that these are lovely.
Beautiful Capture of spring on the very cold morning . I love the little story .
Stunning photos, Jim!