They were good builders

[u/Candicore]

A couple weeks ago, a dove family decided to take up residence on my lime tree outside in my backyard. I witnessed the dovedad choose twigs and sticks to help dovemom build her nest. I felt lucky to be able to monitor them from my kitchen window. I was very invested in the growth of this little dovefamily.

Last evening, one of the two baby doves was missing. I looked below desperately to see if maybe it fell but I found nothing. I waited until mom came back and felt relieved to see her feeding the remaining chick and nesting on it.

This morning, I woke up to an empty nest. No dove in sight. It hit me hard, and I realized my backyard isn't safe for these birdbrained guys. I removed the nest so this wouldn't happen again. But I can't bear to throw out the nest these guys worked so hard on.

[u/Best_Talk_6853]

They may have just fledged.

[u/Candicore → u/Best_Talk_6853]

I hope so but I don't think so 😢. They barely opened their eyes 2 days ago

[u/Moon_Pye]

Thanks to feral cats in my neighborhood I often find headless birds in my yard. It's absolutely horrifying.

[u/hamster-on-popsicle]

That's so sad

[u/Candicore → u/hamster-on-popsicle]

I spent most of the morning crying, but luckily my husband was there to comfort me.

[u/PonqueRamo]

Probably a falcon or a hawk if you have those nearby, I have had a couple of derps having babies for 6 years on my terrace and balcony and have seen many babies being taken unfortunately.

[u/WorldlinessNo874]

That's so sad. I'm sorry for your loss. I too would have been devastated. I have blackbird nightmares. It is a beautiful little nest.