Last month, a pair of Zebra (aka, "Peaceful") Doves built a nest on my 2nd floor veranda, high up under the roof. As they were building it, I was afraid of scaring them off, since I am frequently out there for shower, toilet and exercise. After the hen laid and remained sitting, she watched my daily movements and seemed to accept me -- even my Tai Chi and energetic calisthenics.
She sat for about 3 weeks until one chick hatched. The father would then come to stay with the chick while the mother went out to forage. (I'll bet she was hungry by that time!) She would return to feed her chick by regurgitating food as the chick stuck his (her?) beak into her mouth.
The little guy grew fast. Within a week, he was standing up in the nest and flexing his wings. His learning curve was fast. Mother and father would both be at the nest and then fly off while he watched. Then the nest was empty.
A couple of days later, baby bird flew up and perched on a nearby building, and then the parents flew in nearby. That evening, the three of them settled down for the night together on window ledge, as one happy family. This entire time, over a couple of months, was a very wonderful visit for me. I wish them well.
-Zenwind.
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