ML641685616

Observation details

Today I observed a young mourning dove testing its balance as it perched on branches within 3 feet of its nest. It was a bit unsteady as it landed on a branch, flapped its wings for a moment, then settled its body on the branch. About 20 minutes later it was on a branch within 1 foot of the nest. Yesterday, at about the same time I saw it hop to 2 nearby branches and then return to the nest. No adult mourning dove was in sight during this time. (There was not another young bird visible; I cannot confirm whether there were 1 or 2 eggs/hatchlings in the nest.) note: I observed this nest being constructed on August 8th, 4 1/2 weeks ago.