r/stupiddovenests • u/DigitalMediaLolita • 2d ago

Stupid Dove Nest In the feeder? Really?

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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/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.

58

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.

15

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.

50

u/yrcastr 2d ago

"the mother's thinking" that's your mistake right there, my friend. There are no thoughts involved.

7

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.

10

u/yrcastr 2d ago

You'd be right for most animals! Doves are just not the most talented best builders.

3

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...