r/mourningderps

One of my neighborhood visitors.

I think two mourning derps were able to intuit that, while I might remove nests I catch being built on my small balcony, if eggs get deposited, well, I'm a softie. I was actually reaching out to pull the volunteer mint you see pictured when i found the stealthy nest already holding two eggs. So now, I'm hosting this pair and their two chicks. I've decided I'm just going to use the deck as always, which puts us in close quarters, and they're gonna have to get used to me, lol.

Have to say, I was worried that i might have to actually meet the reclusive new neighbors to give them warning/heads- up, as the nest sits a mere meter from their window (a 90° abuttment to my balcony, and yes it can be awkward. Luckily both the previous and current resident keeps the blind drawn almost 24/7), and my experience with the pigeons that pulled off the same squatting trick was that the chicks are very loud, and very persistent. However, so far, these doves have been very, very quiet🤞. Is that something I can count on with doves, or will they turn into loud, annoying toddlers?

Anyway, this is a pic of mom or dad and the two chicks. I'll probably post videos of stages, especially flight training, lol. Btw, one of the parents, I'm guessing dad?, coz he's smaller, but idk my doves, but it's scrawny relative to the other parent, and notably has what looks to me to be a slight deformity in its break - it turns downward and seems unusually fine towards to tip - any thoughts? See pic 2.

TL;DR: just joined coz I'm hosting a new family through fledging, got questions and just sharing

I was super inspired by @u/_krikket_ 's video of Derps vs Grackles and had to illustrate this. Those wing slaps were serious!

Really good seeb

Thankfully I was able to quickly replace their nest bedding for the new batch of future derplings! They waste no time! (Some photos in the comments below)

Found in the pet section of a local Meijer. And before anyone asks, when I moved toward the bird it flew onto a light fixture and didn’t come back down.

🆒

I’ve decided to put one of our security cameras facing the planter because the parent doves have been using it daily for their afternoon naps. (Excuse the dirty window!). This morning, I noticed that mom kept cooing even with dad in the planter with her. So I thought hmm, they must be trying to regroup with their babies. Dad was also flying in and out a bit. But then…. The TWIGS!! You all have called it. They’re back and ready for more. Thanks, all!

The funny part is dad leaving the twig on top of mom. 🤣

The Grackles move back into the neighborhood every April-July to raise babies.

The Doves wish they wouldn't.

I just love the wing slaps.

I think these are mourning doves.

If not, I am dumb, please delete.

After moving, I no longer have my derp buddies to give good seeb to 😞 but they are now one of my favorite birds and I have a whole photo album of them on my phone! Cannot wait to put my feeder up again and make some new friends 🐦🩶