The Doves are Back!

The weeks before Lauren's wedding, a pair of doves made a nest in rafters of our porch.  Everytime we left the house we could see the dove sitting on the nest and sometimes her partner was keeping her company.  Every day we watched and then we saw two little chicks and they grew so that Mom had to sit outside of the nest.   The day after the wedding, the chicks flew away and so did their parents.  I thought how interesting that they left the day after the wedding, was it a sign that Lauren had grown up and flew out of the nest?  They were interesting to watch.  Everytime we opened the door they sat perfectly still as if we couldn't see them if they were still.   I was sad to see them go.

But yesteday, I saw a momma dove sitting on the nest that was left behind with her partner sitting right next to her.  They came back! Of course, I can't be sure that it was the same birds. Do doves have identifying marks?   Do you think doves have an agreement about used nests?   I wonder if their coming back means anything.   I know Lauren and Beadle aren't coming back soon.   Kevin hasn't left yet.  Bruce and Robin just stayed a few days.   Maybe it just means that our porch will always be home for them.   Who knows?  But can't wait to see the chicks!