Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/30/2011

Question
I have been had a couple mourning doves make a nest out of a flower planter on the side of my house. They had two hatchlings. I don't know exactly when they hatched. She has been sitting on them for weeks and then yesterday I saw her and the male taking turns feeding and watching over them. They appeared pretty big for newborns and already had feathers on their wings. This morning I get up and the nest is empty. One of the doves keeps coming back to the nest every 15 minutes or so and then flying away again. It occassionally calls out in the traditional dove sounds. I'm soo worried something happened to the babies over night. We do have rats in the area because we are near the water but I see no sign of carnage on the ground below. With your experience and knowledge what is your best guess on whats happened to the babies? Could they be out learning to fly somewhere? At what age do they fly and do the babies return to the nest once they fly out? I would be interested in as much information as you would want to share. I have been trying to find websites with info but haven't found any information specifically on this. Thank you for your time and your willingness to share your expertise.

Answer
The young hatch after about 3 weeks and then jump out of the nest BEFORE they are able to fly. Many people get concerned about this, but it is perfectly normal. They do not return to the nest once they leave it.The young, since they can't fly, hide from predators (and you) but the parents know where they are and feed them until they can fly in another week or so. Everything is fine.