Dove Loses Mate, But Not About to Miss the Season

Bonnie Brayfield of Group 15, Webster Groves Garden Club (St. Louis, MO) noticed this bit of non-Mourning Dove behavior. Pictured here with her first brood, but missing her mate (major contributors to raising chicks), this sweet lady raised 2 babies (one egg fell to the porch). After she raised them, she cleaned up the nest, tidied herself, and left. To mourn? To mope? To sigh with regret? No. The next day she was back on the nest. Shortly she had 3 more babies, and the same thing transpired. They left; she cleaned up; out the door, and back for a third set of kids (3 again). Then she left, and the nest remains. Will she return this Spring? Will she find a husband? Stay tuned...

Photo Courtesy Bonnie Brayfield, St. Louis, MO