Rescue of a morning dove fledgling

13 years ago

I was sitting on the swing relaxing when something in the pond caught my eye. It almost looked like a dead animal floating. Upon further investigation it was a morning dove fledgling that flew in the pond and, thank God, landed on one of my floating pond islands (thank you again Goodkarma for your ingenuity). It looked so bewildered.

I ran in the garage and grabbed the net. The poor thing was exhausted and didn't fight me when I stuck the net under it. As a matter of fact it walked right into the net. It stayed in the net for a good hour or so.

Worried parents watch from the fence and wire.

Mom and dad flew down to check on it, but then they left. It walked around the yard preening and fluffing it's feathers. The sun had already went down so there was nothing to help it dry. It tried to take flight a few times but only made it 6 inches off the ground. It was still damp when it settled down for the night laying in the grass. I took a box and gently guided into the bushes so it would have cover from night predators. I didn't see it this morning when I left for work around dawn. Hopefully the parents will return.

Jenny

Comments (5)

marn_eh
13 years ago
So lucky that you found it when you did!

I've always thought the islands are pretty--I hadn't considered that they might also be a lifeline for wildlife, too. Hmmmm, looks like I have another project for next year, now :)
nkm56
13 years ago
I'm glad you were there to help it. We have mourning doves in our area too, and I love the sound of their cooing, so sweet and peaceful. I've never had a bird land in the pond -- the cat fell in once when a rock she was on tipped -- but it's a wonder, since we have so many nests in neighboring trees. A baby crow landed in the yard during last year's pond tour, and he splashed in the stream and entertained the visitors for several hours before flying away.
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goodkarma_
13 years ago
Awwww....Poor baby. I too am so glad you checked the pond when you did and saved it's life. The photos are excellent- he so adorable.

Lisa
duddlydoright
13 years ago
the action never stops at jennys pond
chickadeedeedee
13 years ago
Great save! :-)

That's one VERY lucky baby dove!!! We had a fledgling Starling in the wildlife pond ... also soaked like your little one. Geeze! Those kids just find a way to make trouble for themselves, don't they?!?!? He was dried off and went to tell his friends. LOL!

We're taking fledgling Chimney Swifts out of the basement daily now. (The larger chimney connects to the basement schtuff) They're all fine ... and after a photo shoot and a kiss on the head they're released to learn swifty things. :-)

By the way ... Your babies, here and Tennessee are FANTASTIC and growing FAST! :-)