Expert: Julia Booth - 3/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: I had not watered the plant for at least a couple of weeks, so I watered it today to discover the dove and its eggs. I felt really bad when I read on this website that water can spoil the eggs.
Maybe it is premature to answer, but considering I watered the plant just this once - is it possible for the eggs to be alright ? I am quite new to this entire experience.. I most definitely wont water the plant for another couple of weeks. (It is hardy ivy and definitely will be alright without the watering.)

ANSWER: It depends on how much you watered it. I mean, if you just sprinkled them it will probably be fine. If you hosed it until it was submerged and dripping all over the patio, it might not be. Is the mother still sitting? If so, wait and see. It's only March and if this brood gets spoiled, she still has time to lay another.

Don't feel bad. Mourning doves are famous for making nests in inconvenient places.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The mother bird is still sitting on the eggs.I think I didn't water it too heavily (its hard to tell how much the eggs soaked because the plant is at least a foot higher than my head)..
I have also been trying to feed the dove - she seems scared of me though and sunflower seeds/peanut kernels I scatter on the ground for her stay uneaten. Any tips ? Am I doing something wrong ?

Answer
A lot of Mourning Doves don't leave the nest much once they are sitting on the eggs, even if they need to eat. They are sketchy little birds and very nervous. I'd say try putting them closer to the nest, but they might sprout seedlings.

When the babies are born and she is REALLY hungry, she will take your food. You'll see.