Birding/wild baby dove

Advertisement

Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 4/22/2008


Question
a breeding pair of doves in our garden had two babies. one came out of the nest the other stayed the parents stayed on the roof with the one baby coing for the other but it hasnt left the nest. unfortunatly the parents have flown off with only one baby and as yet not returned (6 hours ago)it is now dark and it is on its own will they come back if not how do i feed the remaining one as it is coing and i think its hungry

Answer
They usually come back if no more than a day has elapsed. However sometimes the parents realize that something is wrong with a baby and deliberately abandon it so as to not bring a weakling into the population. (As humans we are not able to do this so bad genes are often perpetated). It is almost impossible to feed a baby bird, but if you wish to do something if the parents do not come back for it  call the Audubon Society or the Wildlife Department in your area to find a bird rehabilitator. Bluebird Bob.

Birding

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Bluebird Bob Walshaw

Expertise

I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.

Experience

I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 20 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.

Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance

Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World

Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.

Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.

Past/Present Clients
Many

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.