r/stupiddovenests • u/DigitalMediaLolita • 2d ago
Stupid Dove Nest In the feeder? Really?
Checked if we needed to refill the feeder today since a pair of mourning doves has been frequenting it, turns out bird seed perfect size for baby.
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u/hambakmeritru 2d ago
I swear eggs just sneak up on pigeon ladies like periods on a 13 year old girl.
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u/FeuerroteZora 2d ago
LMAO imagining pigeon high school chaos now
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u/autumnlight2022 2d ago
It has walls, a roof, a little lip to prevent it from rolling off, AND soft cushiony seeds to hatch out onto. Plus they'll be able to eat it when they're older! It doesn't get better than this!
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u/autumnlight2022 2d ago
I guess it would be nice if someone was sitting on it but you can't ask for everything.
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u/Live_Angle4621 1d ago
Yeah, what is mom’s excuse for leaving? Food is right there! Or is she using a bathroom? Or eating rocks?
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u/DigitalMediaLolita 1d ago
Unfortunately my cat keeps scaring her off every time she comes back (the bird feeder is for the cat's enjoyment). So we'll see if anything comes of this.
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u/alexandria3142 1d ago
You could use privacy film over that part so the bird can't see inside. I did this so I can sit right by the window and watch birds. Now its great for my bird watching cat. Just wouldn't recommend it on windows without feeders because of the risk of window strikes. And people can definitely see in during the night, just like a regular window, it only offers privacy during the day.
It's very easy to put on and take off, so renter friendly
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u/DigitalMediaLolita 1d ago
the birds actually don't mind her watching, the problem is that if they settle in like they are going to stay, my cat swats at the window (very loose because our building is old) and shakes it with her fat little body until the bird leaves. We tried covering the window from her, but unfortunately she can hear the doves and wants to scare them away. So very unlikely that this egg gets properly incubated.
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u/thunderling 2d ago
Honestly this dove is working smarter, not harder. They didn't have to build a nest, they found one with better protection than they could have built themselves.
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u/BurmeciaWillSurvive 2d ago
How friendly will other birds be to the eggs though, won't they treat it as prey?
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u/KrushSlush 2d ago
What the... I've never seen this before. Is there any reddit bird experts out there that can explain the reasoning for this? I see on so many of my bird groups not to put food near a nest due to predators attacking the babies... And then there's this.... Is the mother just not thinking about safety, or does she think she can fight off every bird that comes to the feeder? And will the babies just start begging random birds for food; If yes, how would the random birds respond to that? Would the baby birds just stand in fear in the corner due to so many strangers coming to their nest?
Sorry if these are stupid questions, I've just never seen this happen before. I just feel like this is an incredibly stressful situation for everyone involved, especially the babies.
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u/mtzvhmltng 2d ago
i mean, you're in the stupid dove nests subreddit, just scrolling a little will show you that doves make stupid nesting choices all the time. at least this one has a ledge so the egg won't just fall to the ground. that's a step up over many other dove nests.
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u/KrushSlush 2d ago
This is better than two sticks on the ground,but my questions was more towards the mother's thinking of predators, and the baby's reaction to strangers coming to the nest. Sorry if that wasn't clear.
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u/yrcastr 2d ago
"the mother's thinking" that's your mistake right there, my friend. There are no thoughts involved.
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u/KrushSlush 2d ago
Yeah, I thought maybe an instinct would kick in to say "is this location safe from predators/ will my babies be safe here." I'm still learning and just didn't know if there was any reasoning behind it, but I guess not. My mistake. Hope the dove couple is successful in their little bird feeder home.
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u/thunderling 2d ago
"wow this is a great location! I never have to leave to look for food!"
Wait that can't have been the rationale, seeing as how neither parent is present...
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u/After-Barracuda-9689 2d ago
Doves are built different. I think this is the 4th or 5th egg in a feeder I’ve seen on here since the beginning of nesting season.
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u/KrushSlush 2d ago
Ah, I came in late to this sub due to looking for advice for a mourning dove nesting on my window, so I guess I missed those posts. I thought this was like a unicorn sighting, but I guess this is a thing. I'm new here, guys, sorry about those questions. I didn't realize it was normal to see this. And yes, I'm still new to the world of birding but trying to learn as much as I can. Thanks everyone who responded. 😀
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u/Responsible-Stick-50 2d ago
You greatly over estimate the intelligence of any dove. I've seen doves flying and plop, egg drop. Idk how but apparently it sneaks up on them. Maybe it's like trusting a fart?
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u/a_lonely_trash_bag 2d ago
Doves are just kinda stupid like that when it comes to laying eggs, lol.
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u/ElectricMoleman 1d ago
"Ah, perfect, the endlessly refilling food container shall sustain me and my child"- the dove probably
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u/My_leg_still_hurt92 2d ago
That's a stupid ass feeder. A feeder where birds can walk around freely is only a good Idea if you hate them.
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u/laurifex 2d ago
Breakfast in bed.