This week for the Lens-Artist challenge, Tina has chosen the theme of Wild.

We have wild doves nesting in a hanging planter over our back deck.  I first spotted this pair building their nest back in April.  Soon, what I thought was mom, was sitting on the nest.

We then left for a three week vacation and when we returned I spotted a pretty big chick sitting on the back deck.  He soon flew away and the nest was empty.

Last weekend I spotted a dove sitting on the nest again.  A little later, at around 7:00 p.m., the second one arrived, the first flew away and the newcomer settled on the nest.  At that point I decided it was time to research the nesting habits of mourning doves.

What I discovered confirmed everything that I had observed.  Mourning doves generally mate for life and both mom and dad participate in nest building.  They can have up to five or six broods in a season.  Both also sit on the nest, in shifts.  Dad usually takes the day shift and mom the night.

It is truly fascinating to watch these wild creatures and learn about their habits.  I hope to share pictures of babies soon, but also learned not to get too close, as if they are frightened they may abandon the nest and their chicks. Fortunately, I have a long lens, so I can zoom in from a distance.

Theme: Wild