05/22/2026
A story in three parts from my walk this morning. I was out early and noticed a small pile of sticks deep in the spruce. When I checked, I saw two little dove chicks huddling (first two images). The air was so cold, and my first thought was that they might be abandoned. I was genuinely concerned and didn't want to get too close, so I kept my distance to watch. Just as I was about to think the worst, Mama Mourning Dove came back and settled right over them (last image).
What a great lesson in trust. These nests are often sparse, but they are built with purpose. Glad I stuck around to see the happy ending.
Fun Fact, The bird is named for its distinctive call which sounds like a low, sorrowful, and somewhat haunting coo-oo-oo that is sort-a-like a lament. Because they are often heard singing early in the day, many people mistakenly think it's called a "morning" dove.
Check out more of my early morning walks and wildlife finds at www.jpg.photos.
