Painted Pony Dove Update

The baby doves found several weeks ago on the patio at the Painted Pony Resort continue to mature.  The recent guests were shown the location of the nest and enjoyed watching the doves during their stay.  Now that the guests have left, the opportunity to check on the progress of the baby doves was available and between loads of laundry it was possible to get an updated photograph.  The babies have matured quickly (see link to original photograph) and will be ready to leave the nest soon.  The flock of doves inhabiting the resort continues to grow and provide entertainment for visitors.

Growing baby doves

The Comfy Chair

The Painted Pony Resort has a number of resident bird species, some common some not so common, but the big 3 are the morning and collared doves, the road runners, and the barn swallows.  Of the three, the collared doves pick the strangest places to build nests.  I have found numerous dove nests precariously perched in yuccas and in the oak trees in the patio area but the strangest nest location was found while preparing the estate for guests.  While cleaning the patio a dove nest was discovered on top of an outdoor chair.  At first glance it appeared as some wind blown litter until upon closer examination 2 newly hatched baby doves were noted.  Nestled in a twig nest the 2 baby doves appear only a week or so old.  Carefully cleaning around the nest the babies were left in place to hopefully grow up and become part of the resident dove population who's calls can be heard every morning and evening around the estate.

Dove nest on the patio