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Birding/Baby Doves out of nest, not protected

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Expert: - 4/13/2009


Question
I have two wild baby doves that have recently jumped from their nest on our patio. However, the parent is huddling them in some rocks out in the open.  My concern is that of the rain coming, and it is in the 30-40 degrees.  Will they survive the weather? Will the parent take them to a better environment? Should I move them?  I hear if you touch a wild bird the parent will abondon them? Thanks.

Answer
They will survive, most likely. Birds are waterproof and can withstand the rain and cold. The parents know what they are doing. If you move them, the parents will probably just move them back. They will do best without human help.
It is not true that if you touch a wild bird the parents will abandon them. But if you disturb them too much, they might abandon a nest or young.
Thanks for your concern.

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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