For the past few mornings, I start my day by saying “good morning Papa Bird” to the mourning dove nesting in the eaves, outside our bedroom window. I think he likes being greeted, now that he knows I’m not going to harm him. If he’s facing me he smiles (!)…if he’s facing the opposite direction, he lifts and turns his head to look at me.
I started by calling him “Mama Bird”, but after a little research online, apparently the male dove sits on the nest during the daytime.
He is in the direct sun from the west, and with these hot temperatures I wonder how he tolerates the sunshine and the heat. I want to put up an umbrella to give him some shade, but that’s not possible.
In the meantime, I will continue to open the window a crack to talk to him a few times throughout the day, and then say good night in the evening. And I’ll keep watch to see what happens when the baby doves appear.
What sweet care and concern you are showing for that Mourning Dove. I wondered about your use of “he,” so I’m glad you explained that. I will share my own bird story soon on my blog.
The dove seems so sweet.
I look forward to reading your bird story