Why Do Mourning Doves Keep Building, Then Destroying Nests?

DEAR JOAN: For three days in a row now, I have watched a pair of mourning doves build a nest, then destroy it by dropping on the ground and flying off.

Next day, there is a repeat of their actions. I’m watching them Monday morning and he is flying back and forth with twigs for the nest. Why are they doing this? Unhappy? She just isn’t ready to lay eggs?

This is the first time I have them close enough to be able to watch them. Beautiful Mother Nature.

Stella Brennan, Bay Area

DEAR STELLA: Mourning doves are among the most inoffensive of creatures, although some folks get a little put out by the amount of poop the birds can leave on decks and lawn furniture.

The doves are excellent parents, and the mom and dad share nest-making, nest-sitting and brood-raising duties. Their only flaw is that are really, truly bad at building those nests.

What you see as deliberate nest destruction is actually just a failed attempt at building a sturdy nest, which is collapsing all on its own. Mourning doves will try to build nests in the most unlikely and unsuitable places imaginable, such as on a narrow beam, a sloping roof or a ledge, where one wrong move can spell disaster.

They apparently don’t have the capability of learning from their mistakes as they will try and try again, even when each attempt ends up on the ground.

You can help them by putting up a support for them in the area where they are trying to build. Wait until the nest falls apart and they’ve flown away before trying to help. You also can put up nesting boxes. You’ll need a 12-inch square of hardware cloth. Cut it into a circle. Remove a narrow pie-shaped slice so you can form a cone. Wire the sides together and nail or staple the nest box in the crotch of a tree limb. The doves can take it from there.

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Easter warnings

With Easter fast approaching, here are reminders on keeping your dogs and cat safe.

• Easter lilies and many other lilies are poisonous to cats, so avoid them in your Easter decor, or be sure to keep them out of reach. All parts of the lily are poisonous, even the water in their vases.
• Plastic grass in your Easter baskets can present problems to both cats and dogs if the faux grass is eaten. It can’t be digested and it can get tangled in the intestines, causing blockages. Use shredded paper instead.
• Tulip and daffodil bulbs can be poisonous to dogs, and can cause heart damage. If you have them in your garden, be sure to keep an eye on your dog if it tends to dig.

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• Finding a chocolate bunny in your Easter basket is the best, but don’t forget that chocolate can be deadly to dogs. The level of concern is based on the size of the dog, the type of chocolate and how much was consumed, but it’s always wise to keep treats away from your pet.
• In taking steps to keep the chocolate secured, don’t ignore the sugar-free treats. Many of them are made with Xylitol, a sugar substitute often used in sugar-free gum, candies and even your toothpaste. Xylitol can be more deadly than chocolate. If you think your dog has eaten some, head to the vet immediately.

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