New Neighbors

We had a formerly unhomed couple set up housekeeping at our home. They did not ask permission, and now it appears they are here to stay. About a week ago I noticed that a Mourning Dove was trying to put some nesting material on a speaker on our north patio. I thought “That will never work, it’s too small and slick.” They must have heeded my advice so they moved to the rain gutter in a spot under the eve. The nest is now complete and they appear to be taking turns sitting on eggs.

Growing up in Pueblo with our back yard going all the way to Kansas, I grew familiar with what I thought were “Morning” Doves. When they were roosting in the trees they had a very familiar coo. When flying over, it was an equally familiar chirp. Sometime later I learned that in fact they were “Mourning”, as their coo was a sad sound.

When Wally my Siamese Beta died, I became petless. These two are now part of our household. Perfect pets— they feed themselves, stay outside, and offer up a gentle song. My only concern is their choice of a rain gutter for their nest. They are at the top of a slanted gutter and under the eve, which raises my hopes that a summer storm won’t take them out. I will keep you posted.

Now a rant about our neighborhood bunnies. They are everywhere. That would be great except they ate all of our Pansies. We also have a larger flock of pigeons who have taken up residence under the unguarded solar panels of one of our neighbors. Living somewhere in our neighborhood are birds of prey who dine frequently on these “flying rats”. Less than a mile from here a moose wandered through the burbs last week. Earlier in the year as we were driving home from Golden, we were joined by a very large black bear who was headed to the landfill for dinner.

Just a mile from here we have a nesting pair of bald eagles, where two adolescents are learning to fly. Last year these parents pulled off raising three young eagles to independence. A neighbor who is very knowledgeable shared at a gathering, that it is very rare for eagles to raise three young birds. For a few weeks last year it was not usual to see the trio cruising around our airspace.

Yes, I welcome Mrs. and Mr. Dove. I think I need a reminder every day that doves represent peace, that life is moving forward and that these two chose us.

Onward and Upward,

Mark