Whenever I get home from work I take a few minutes to look out the back at the feeders and the garden to see what's happening. Living in the Bluffs, every once in a while I get a few pleasant surprises. On Thursday, I noticed a couple of mourning doves trying to keep some Swainson Thrushes away from a particular spot of the grass. Firstly, I was surprised to see the Thrushes, but even more surprised when I noticed a slight movement and saw a dove fledgling sitting on the ground. The baby is mobile, and can get off the ground a little bit, but can't fly. At least one of the parents has been vigilantly keeping an eye on it, sometimes from the top of the fence, and other times by sitting next to it, almost like it is comforting it.
I kept an eye on them throughout the evening, and they must have found somewhere to shelter for the night....or so I had hoped.
Didn't see them when I left for work this morning, but I am happy to say that I saw them again this evening. The parents are always present. It's quite touching to watch how devoted they are.
Hopefully the neighborhood cats and raccoons won't catch on. I would think that the little fellow/fella will be able to get onto some low branches soon. What a cutie!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by jjmb »
jjmb in Scarborough
If you see an injured or orphaned wild animal, call the Toronto Wildlife Centre at 416-631-0662.
