Birds of The Azure Gate: Part Nine

On to the Ground Birds of The Azure Gate, starting with the Mourning Dove.

Mourning Dove

The most abundant bird on our property is the Mourning Dove. I would guess 100 to 150 on any given day. They nest just about anywhere, like in this Saguaro above. But, they also nest in window sills, the eave of the ramada at our Catalina Guest House, the rafters of the main house, on a wall next to one of our gates ...

Here one has nested in a Chain Fruit (or Jumping) Cholla Cactus, which gives them some protection as you can see.

Here her egg has just hatched, the chick isn't much bigger than the egg. Mom has flown off, but returns moments later.

Here is a different Mourning Dove in a Palo Verde Tree with her young chick.

And finally, here is the young chick just after leaving the nest.